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(12-07-2021 04:41 PM)bcat1997 Wrote:  8 Bearcats in top 10 position rankings. Beavers the only one missing.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2022/insid...hutchinson

Mel has both Gardner and Ridder going in the first round. That would just be icing on the huge cake of the season to have two NFL first rounders. Again, I think back to UC football when I attended beginning in the fall of 1986. LOL! We've come a long, long, long way...

(12-07-2021 04:49 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 04:41 PM)bcat1997 Wrote:  8 Bearcats in top 10 position rankings. Beavers the only one missing.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2022/insid...hutchinson

Mel has both Gardner and Ridder going in the first round. That would just be icing on the huge cake of the season to have two NFL first rounders. Again, I think back to UC football when I attended beginning in the fall of 1986. LOL! We've come a long, long, long way...

We had a football program way back then??!!

(12-07-2021 04:52 PM)geef Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 04:49 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 04:41 PM)bcat1997 Wrote:  8 Bearcats in top 10 position rankings. Beavers the only one missing.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2022/insid...hutchinson

Mel has both Gardner and Ridder going in the first round. That would just be icing on the huge cake of the season to have two NFL first rounders. Again, I think back to UC football when I attended beginning in the fall of 1986. LOL! We've come a long, long, long way...

We had a football program way back then??!!

Little delayed, but Bama with 9 on this list. Very comparable.

Very interesting thing that I completely forgot about, but only 1st rounders get a 5th year Team Option on their first contract. Would potentially incentivize someone to take a stab at a developmental, high-ceiling QB late in the round because that last year would be at a cut rate if they pan out vs. having to buy that year on FA if you pass on them into the 2nd. May play into Ridder being a late 1st rounder.

Jerome Ford finished 9th in AP Player of the year voting. He finished with 1 - 3rd place vote tallying 1 point.

(12-08-2021 03:57 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Very interesting thing that I completely forgot about, but only 1st rounders get a 5th year Team Option on their first contract. Would potentially incentivize someone to take a stab at a developmental, high-ceiling QB late in the round because that last year would be at a cut rate if they pan out vs. having to buy that year on FA if you pass on them into the 2nd. May play into Ridder being a late 1st rounder.

Really good point. I honestly think he goes to the Steelers in the first. They are 6-5 right now. I could easily see them picking in that 14-20 range. Des fits everything they look for in a QB. Dude just wins games. I feel like Tomlin would love him.

(12-09-2021 04:31 PM)skylinecat Wrote:  

(12-08-2021 03:57 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Very interesting thing that I completely forgot about, but only 1st rounders get a 5th year Team Option on their first contract. Would potentially incentivize someone to take a stab at a developmental, high-ceiling QB late in the round because that last year would be at a cut rate if they pan out vs. having to buy that year on FA if you pass on them into the 2nd. May play into Ridder being a late 1st rounder.

Really good point. I honestly think he goes to the Steelers in the first. They are 6-5 right now. I could easily see them picking in that 14-20 range. Des fits everything they look for in a QB. Dude just wins games. I feel like Tomlin would love him.

My guess is they're looking for more of a start now guy, and I domt think Ridder is one at the moment. To me, I think the Lions would be more likely with the Rams pick...let him sit on the last dead money year in Goff's contract while he learns, then move him into the role in year two.

(12-09-2021 07:47 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(12-09-2021 04:31 PM)skylinecat Wrote:  

(12-08-2021 03:57 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Very interesting thing that I completely forgot about, but only 1st rounders get a 5th year Team Option on their first contract. Would potentially incentivize someone to take a stab at a developmental, high-ceiling QB late in the round because that last year would be at a cut rate if they pan out vs. having to buy that year on FA if you pass on them into the 2nd. May play into Ridder being a late 1st rounder.

Really good point. I honestly think he goes to the Steelers in the first. They are 6-5 right now. I could easily see them picking in that 14-20 range. Des fits everything they look for in a QB. Dude just wins games. I feel like Tomlin would love him.

My guess is they're looking for more of a start now guy, and I domt think Ridder is one at the moment. To me, I think the Lions would be more likely with the Rams pick...let him sit on the last dead money year in Goff's contract while he learns, then move him into the role in year two.

I'm pretty sure I posted about an article matching the Lions and Ridder several weeks ago. But the speculation there was more about them trading up a slot or two from their R2 pick to get into R1 (giving them 3 first rounders) with Ridder. It probably wouldn't cost much to move up and it might pay off big contractually with the year 5 team option.

Todd McShay's first Mock Draft had two Bearcats in the 1st Round:

Quote:15. Minnesota Vikings (6-7)
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati*

It's hard to find another college corner who is trusted on an island in press-man coverage as much as "Sauce" 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).

AND

Quote:19. New Orleans Saints (6-7)
Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

The opinions on Ridder are all over the place. 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.

Alternatively, Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson or Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary would instantly boost lacking units.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2022/insid...ding-spots

He also has NINE Bearcats ranked in his Top 163 potentially draft eligible players for this draft:

Ahmad Gardner: #21
Desmond Ridder: #38
Myjai Sanders: #41
Coby Bryant: #79
Alec Pierce #107
Bryan Cook: #113
Josh Whyle: #125
Darrian Beavers: #161
Jerome Ford: #163

For reference there are 259 NFL Draft Picks, so according to him we'll have 9 guys safely drafted this year...crazy to think about.

(12-14-2021 12:26 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Todd McShay's first Mock Draft had two Bearcats in the 1st Round:

Quote:15. Minnesota Vikings (6-7)
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati*

It's hard to find another college corner who is trusted on an island in press-man coverage as much as "Sauce" 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).

AND

Quote:19. New Orleans Saints (6-7)
Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

The opinions on Ridder are all over the place. 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.

Alternatively, Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson or Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary would instantly boost lacking units.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2022/insid...ding-spots

He also has NINE Bearcats ranked in his Top 163 potentially draft eligible players for this draft:

Ahmad Gardner: #21
Desmond Ridder: #38
Myjai Sanders: #41
Coby Bryant: #79
Alec Pierce #107
Bryan Cook: #113
Josh Whyle: #125
Darrian Beavers: #161
Jerome Ford: #163

For reference there are 259 NFL Draft Picks, so according to him we'll have 9 guys safely drafted this year...crazy to think about.

Especially coming from him

(12-09-2021 04:31 PM)skylinecat Wrote:  

(12-08-2021 03:57 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Very interesting thing that I completely forgot about, but only 1st rounders get a 5th year Team Option on their first contract. Would potentially incentivize someone to take a stab at a developmental, high-ceiling QB late in the round because that last year would be at a cut rate if they pan out vs. having to buy that year on FA if you pass on them into the 2nd. May play into Ridder being a late 1st rounder.

Really good point. I honestly think he goes to the Steelers in the first. They are 6-5 right now. I could easily see them picking in that 14-20 range. Des fits everything they look for in a QB. Dude just wins games. I feel like Tomlin would love him.

Please don't let Ridder go to the Steelers. I would hate to have to immediately start loathing every fiber of his being.

(12-14-2021 12:26 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Todd McShay's first Mock Draft had two Bearcats in the 1st Round:

Quote:15. Minnesota Vikings (6-7)
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati*

It's hard to find another college corner who is trusted on an island in press-man coverage as much as "Sauce" 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).

AND

Quote:19. New Orleans Saints (6-7)
Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

The opinions on Ridder are all over the place. 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.

Alternatively, Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson or Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary would instantly boost lacking units.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2022/insid...ding-spots

He also has NINE Bearcats ranked in his Top 163 potentially draft eligible players for this draft:

Ahmad Gardner: #21
Desmond Ridder: #38
Myjai Sanders: #41
Coby Bryant: #79
Alec Pierce #107
Bryan Cook: #113
Josh Whyle: #125
Darrian Beavers: #161
Jerome Ford: #163

For reference there are 259 NFL Draft Picks, so according to him we'll have 9 guys safely drafted this year...crazy to think about.

I think Pierce ends up going a lot earlier than that. He's going to have really good measurables and graduated with a like 3.8 in Engineering. If I'm Vegas, I want as many Alec Pierce's on my team I can possibly find. Clearly they need to be looking for a certain type of player that can handle the Vegas temptations. God knows I wouldn't have made it as a 22 year old with a 20 million dollar contract in Vegas.

(12-14-2021 12:26 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Todd McShay's first Mock Draft had two Bearcats in the 1st Round:

Quote:15. Minnesota Vikings (6-7)
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati*

It's hard to find another college corner who is trusted on an island in press-man coverage as much as "Sauce" 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).

My guess is there's a few teams eyeing this matchup closely to see just how legit Sauce really is. He'll most certainly be a first/second round draft pick but he could boost himself immensely. The amount of green in his wallet might literally come down to this one game. The difference between the #10 pick and the #30 pick is $8-10M in salary.

I feel like Jerome Ford is not getting enough respect in these mock drafts. I mean, how many RB's in the league have hit nearly 23 mph in a game? I know college football is full of athletic freaks at the RB position but Jerome Ford has the measurables of all the top guys.

If Ford has a good game against Bama and runs a sub-4.4 forty at the combine he's gonna shoot up the draft boards I think.

(12-14-2021 01:55 PM)UCbball21 Wrote:  I feel like Jerome Ford is not getting enough respect in these mock drafts. I mean, how many RB's in the league have hit nearly 23 mph in a game? I know college football is full of athletic freaks at the RB position but Jerome Ford has the measurables of all the top guys.

If Ford has a good game against Bama and runs a sub-4.4 forty at the combine he's gonna shoot up the draft boards I think.

Running backs just don't get drafted early. A decade and a half ago he might be a first round pick.

(12-14-2021 01:56 PM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(12-14-2021 01:55 PM)UCbball21 Wrote:  I feel like Jerome Ford is not getting enough respect in these mock drafts. I mean, how many RB's in the league have hit nearly 23 mph in a game? I know college football is full of athletic freaks at the RB position but Jerome Ford has the measurables of all the top guys.

If Ford has a good game against Bama and runs a sub-4.4 forty at the combine he's gonna shoot up the draft boards I think.

Running backs just don't get drafted early. A decade and a half ago he might be a first round pick.

Round 1 - 24th pick

Najee Harris

(12-14-2021 03:01 PM)cpawstoney Wrote:  

(12-14-2021 01:56 PM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(12-14-2021 01:55 PM)UCbball21 Wrote:  I feel like Jerome Ford is not getting enough respect in these mock drafts. I mean, how many RB's in the league have hit nearly 23 mph in a game? I know college football is full of athletic freaks at the RB position but Jerome Ford has the measurables of all the top guys.

If Ford has a good game against Bama and runs a sub-4.4 forty at the combine he's gonna shoot up the draft boards I think.

Running backs just don't get drafted early. A decade and a half ago he might be a first round pick.

Round 1 - 24th pick

Najee Harris

Going back to 2005 as an example: Ronnie Brown went 2, Cedric Benson went 4, Cadillac Williams went 5.

2006- Reggie Bush went 2, Maroney went 21, DeAngelo Williams went 27, Joseph Addai went 30.

Go back further... in 2000 Jamal Lewis went 5, Thomas Jones went 7, Ron Dayne went 11, Shawn Alexander went 19, Trung Canidate went 31.

Now you're usually lucky if there is one first round draft pick that is an RB.

(12-14-2021 12:59 PM)nachoman91 Wrote:  

(12-09-2021 04:31 PM)skylinecat Wrote:  

(12-08-2021 03:57 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Very interesting thing that I completely forgot about, but only 1st rounders get a 5th year Team Option on their first contract. Would potentially incentivize someone to take a stab at a developmental, high-ceiling QB late in the round because that last year would be at a cut rate if they pan out vs. having to buy that year on FA if you pass on them into the 2nd. May play into Ridder being a late 1st rounder.

Really good point. I honestly think he goes to the Steelers in the first. They are 6-5 right now. I could easily see them picking in that 14-20 range. Des fits everything they look for in a QB. Dude just wins games. I feel like Tomlin would love him.

Please don't let Ridder go to the Steelers. I would hate to have to immediately start loathing every fiber of his being.

Who knows how the Steelers will ultimately rank QBs, but I'm guessing they'd be hard pressed to ignore Pitt QB Kenny Pickett if they go QB in R1 and he's still available. Opinions vary but it seems like he is currently getting a lot of attention as the best QB in this upcoming draft.

Beavers would be a major steal in the fifth round.