Desmond Ridder, Ahmad Gardner Picked in Top-20 of Latest Mock Draft

Cincinnati has never had two first-round picks in the same draft.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Updated:
Dec 14, 2021 2:43 PM EST

CINCINNATI — ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay released his first mock draft for the upcoming festivities and he sees the board shaking out very well for the Bearcats two first-round prospects.

Starting with shutdown cornerback Ahmad Gardner, McShay has him inside the top-15 picks. He was the second cornerback taken in the first round, landing with Minnesota at No. 15.

"It's hard to find another college corner who is trusted on an island in press-man coverage as much as 'Sauce' Gardner," McShay said about Gardner. "The 6-foot-2, 188-pounder's 321 such snaps this season lead the nation by 61. And despite that big ask, Gardner has yet to allow more than 13 yards in a single game this year. (As an aside, I can't wait to see his Cotton Bowl matchup with Jameson Williams, who averages 21.3 yards per catch.) Minnesota's top three cornerbacks -- Patrick Peterson, Bashaud Breeland, and Mackensie Alexander -- are all on expiring deals, and Gardner's speed, ball skills, and lockdown traits would help address a pass defense allowing 8.9 yards per attempt (27th in the NFL)."

It didn't take long to get to Desmond Ridder, who McShay slotted to New Orleans at No. 19. He was the fourth quarterback taken between picks 10-20.

"The opinions on Ridder are all over the place," McShay wrote. "I've heard some scouts wonder if he is the best QB in the whole class, while others think he's more of a second-rounder. But Ridder would be in the perfect spot in New Orleans, able to work with coach Sean Payton and develop his mechanics and ball-placement consistency. The Saints don't necessarily have to go quarterback -- they have Taysom Hill, and Jameis Winston could return to New Orleans on a new deal following his torn ACL -- but Ridder would give them a guy to build around for the future. He has a strong arm and is a constant threat to tuck and run."

Cincinnati has never had two first-round picks in one draft, let alone two in the top-20. Bob Bell (1971, Pick 21) and Greg Cook (1969, Pick 5) are the only Bearcats ever taken in the first round.

This prediction would be a dream scenario for UC fans. They get the prowess of two top-20 picks to show off to new recruits and the players go to teams in the NFC. they'll play fewer games against AFC North franchises that have a lot of fan crossover with the Bearcats.

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