(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.
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.
Pierce and Beavers both have Patriot written all over them IMO. I'll add that I think Curtis Brooks has a chance to potentially sneak in there in the 7th round this coming year.
(This post was last modified: 12-14-2021 04:48 PM by BearcatMan.)
Related to BMan's McShay mock draft 1.0 post above, here is the video version. Go to mark 24:00 for comments on Sauce and mark 29:00 for Ridder comments. WARNING: Mel Kiper needs a bib to catch all the drool coming out over his praise for Rid.
(12-21-2021 07:23 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote: Related to BMan's McShay mock draft 1.0 post above, here is the video version. Go to mark 24:00 for comments on Sauce and mark 29:00 for Ridder comments. WARNING: Mel Kiper needs a bib to catch all the drool coming out over his praise for Rid.
(12-21-2021 10:37 PM)bearcatmark Wrote: Becoming more and more convinced that Sauce and Des will be first round draft picks.
You didn't believe Sauce to be one already?
I thought sauce would be. I've thought there is a good chance des would be too, but just commenting that the evidence is getting stronger and stronger in both counts
Would love to know how many NFL scouts and front office personnel will be in attendance. The draft stock of other UC players will rise with a solid performance. Kiper mentioned Coby was graded as a 2nd or 3rd round selection right now.
(12-21-2021 10:45 PM)bearcatmark Wrote: I thought sauce would be. I've thought there is a good chance des would be too, but just commenting that the evidence is getting stronger and stronger in both counts
Yeah, I think we all figured Sauce all year long assuming he doesn't run like a 4.7 which isn't going to happen. I'm not a huge believer in Des as an NFL starter but he's being projected into enough mocks that I think it's very likely he's a first rounder. Remember projections now are tape based but Des' character will elevate him once they get into interviews. He'll get drafter higher than where I believe his skills should place him.
(12-21-2021 11:10 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote: Would love to know how many NFL scouts and front office personnel will be in attendance. The draft stock of other UC players will rise with a solid performance. Kiper mentioned Coby was graded as a 2nd or 3rd round selection right now.
I'd imagine every team will have a guy there if not multiples.
My optimistic projections are:
Sauce top 16 pick
Ridder - 15/16 to the Broncos. I just feel like he fits exactly what Elway is looking for in a QB. College stats Elway went for 774/1246 (62% completion) 9349 yards with 77 Touchdowns and 39 Picks. Ridder was 793/1272 (62%) for 10,095 yards 87 touchdowns with 28 picks. Ridder is also a much better runner than Elway was.
Myjai - around pick 45
Pierce - around pick 60
Beavers/Cook/Whyle/Bryant, Curtis Brooks - Rounds 4-7 depending on if a team falls "in love" and their testing results.
(12-21-2021 09:15 PM)Bearcatbdub Wrote: Would love to see Ridder go in the first round.
Anywhere but Shittsburgh. Please, not there.
I dislike Pittsburgh, but I respect that franchise. When they brought Roethlisberger in he wasnt a finished product. But they handled him with kid gloves and supported him with a great running game and a great defense his first couple of years. I think thats what Des will need to succeed. Now Pittsburgh has been kinda ****** lately so lets see if they can turn it around.
The problem is, they have been playing from behind all year because their defense can't stop the run. So they've been forced to pass it a lot, which doesn't play to their strengths. Big Ben is past his prime: the team is ranked 22nd in completion percentage and 28th in yards per catch.
That's great news for a guy like Dez: it means all the pieces are there for him to succeed on offense, but the pressure is on the defense to turn things around.
I'm sure they'll keep their eyes open, but it's not like this was an unexpected declaration. Also, in the game Ford missed, UC rushed for over 200 yards by committee, so while there likely won't be an individual guy step up, I'd imagine we will still run the ball quite well (Think 2007).
I'm sure they'll keep their eyes open, but it's not like this was an unexpected declaration. Also, in the game Ford missed, UC rushed for over 200 yards by committee, so while there likely won't be an individual guy step up, I'd imagine we will still run the ball quite well (Think 2007).
Our offensive line is going to be dominant next year against the AAC (and probably everyone on the schedule minus Arkansas and Indiana). It was an area of struggle against Bama's elite pass rush (I'll still point out Ford ran for 5.1 a carry. We were pretty successful running the ball...just couldn't complete a high enough percentage to sustain drive, couldn't protect on passing downs and didn't take enough shot plays), but it's going to be an experienced group that is just better than the rest of the G5.
(This post was last modified: 01-04-2022 09:05 AM by bearcatmark.)
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2022 Bearcats NFL Draft Prospects
