Ahmad Gardner, Alec Pierce Make List of Top-10 Scheme Fits

Cincinnati landed a former defender and offensive player in the grouping.

CINCINNATI — It was tough to identify many bad fits for the Bearcats' nine selections in the 2022 NFL Draft. ESPN's Matt Bowen agreed, and even put two Bearcats in his top-10 best fits coming out of the draft. Things start with the highest selection in Bearcats history: Ahmad Gardner.

"In the Jets' defined coverage schemes," Bowen wrote. "Gardner is a seamless fit as a boundary corner who can play a difference-making role as both a man and zone defender. With his long, 6-foot-3 frame and press-man skills, Gardner will challenge outside for a defense that played Cover 1 (man-free) on 39% of coverage snaps last season, the fifth-most in the league.

"The zone eyes are there, too, when Gardner pedals off the ball in three-deep coverage. And when coach Robert Saleh's defense faces 3x1 sets, Gardner can be assigned to lock down the single receiver to the backside of the formation, eliminating the pass-catcher from the picture, which will allow the Jets to get zone numbers to the field."

Alec Pierce also got some love from Bowen as the rookie gets set to be Matt Ryan's new go-to target at multiple levels of the field.

"Pierce is a boundary X target for Ryan who can also shift inside to create matchups out of slot or trips sets," Bowen wrote. "Making him a really good fit for Frank Reich's offense. He is at his best on the move -- running fades, overs, shallows, and speed outs -- and the Colts can scheme up Pierce off play-action for Ryan. Watch for them to create windows at the second level or isolate the rookie as a vertical target.

"With his foot quickness and play strength, Pierce can set up press coverage, and we know he can be a primary option for Ryan inside the red zone. Throw the slants there and cater to Pierce's 6-foot-3 frame and leaping ability on end zone targets, and I expect Pierce's route tree to expand even more in a pro system."

Two Bearcats made the top-10 and another cracked Bowen's other list of value picks with early-impact potential.

"I expect Ridder to challenge Marcus Mariota for playing time this season," Bowen said. "A pace thrower who can generate velocity when needed, Ridder will benefit from the play-action elements in Arthur Smith's offense. Atlanta will create defined throws and coverage voids in early-down situations while using his movement traits on boot concepts. Plus, with his pocket poise and composure, Ridder can read it out in dropback situations."

It wouldn't shock anyone if Ridder silenced critics and earned the starting role before Week One of the season. In pre-draft meetings, He made a point to lay out how he'll unseat a veteran during training camp.

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