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2022 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Cincinnati vs. Alabama

By Andrew Fischer

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 11: Ahmad Gardner #1 of the Cincinnati Bearcats celebrates after making an interception in the second quarter against the Murray State Racers at Nippert Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 11: Ahmad Gardner #1 of the Cincinnati Bearcats celebrates after making an interception in the second quarter against the Murray State Racers at Nippert Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Oct 23, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jalyn Armour-Davis (5) carries the ball after an interception against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jalyn Armour-Davis (5) carries the ball after an interception against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati WR Alec Pierce vs. Alabama CB Jalyn Armour-Davis

After missing the previous two games with a hip injury, Crimson Tide corner Jalyn Armour-Davis will be back in action on Friday, as he’s practiced all week and should be ready to go. And Alabama is going to need him against Cincinnati’s receiving corps, which is led by 6’3” 213-pound senior Alec Pierce.

Pierce was fourth in the American Athletic Conference in receiving yards with 867, tied for fifth in the conference in receiving touchdowns with eight, and first in the conference in yards per catch (17.3) among those with 50 catches or more. Pierce does most of his damage down the field, as he has deceptive speed and a long frame that allows him to reel in long passes thrown high. He hasn’t shown much of an affinity for going over the middle, but that could come in time as he hones his craft ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft and eventually sharpens the technical skills that most NFL receivers need.

Jalyn Armour-Davis presents a unique foil for Pierce. Armour-Davis is a 6’1” 192 redshirt junior out of Mobile, AL, and he’s recorded three interceptions on the year. His solid build makes him an interesting prospect for 2022 NFL Draft scouts to evaluate, and he’ll have a chance to flash some of his potential here.

Davis’s interceptions against Florida and Tennessee were both on balls thrown away from the receiver and right to him as he was sitting in zone coverage. Alabama will probably use some zone looks when it comes to pass defense on Friday to try to neutralize Ridder’s ability to run. From there it’s up to Jalyn Armour-Davis and the Crimson Tide’s other defensive backs (like 5-star freshman Kool-Aid McKinstry) to make plays in the back end.

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