Cincinnati Bearcats CB Ahmad Gardner Declares For 2022 NFL Draft

Cincinnati Bearcats corner Ahmad Gardner has decided on his NFL future, declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft.

It is indeed going to be a very good year to need a cornerback, as the 2022 NFL Draft class looks like a special one at the top. With guys like Derek Stingley Jr., Andrew Booth, Trent McDuffie, and more, the first round could see a number of players come off the board. One of those guys is Cincinnati Bearcats CB Ahmad Gardner, who finally made his NFL decision. He has declared for the 2022 NFL Draft by informing Yahoo! Sports.

Gardner was part of a Bearcats team that put together a special season in 2021. They ran the table through the AAC, going 13-0 to finally give the group of five a College Football Playoff berth, something that should be celebrated. Gardner has been a model of consistency for a very good Bearcats defense, and has been consistent across the board in terms of ball production on the stat sheet.

But perhaps the most impressive thing about Gardner, the thing everyone brings up, is the fact that he didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage in his three seasons in Cincinnati. It isn’t something easy to do no matter what level you’re at because of how tough corner is to play.

As far as the traits go, it’s easy to see why Gardner is firmly in the first round conversation. He’s a physical player at the line of scrimmage, has the size and length to be a press corner, and has the ball production. He’s a phenomenal tackler and offer plenty in run support. There are some issues with grabbing late in coverage and fluidity with transitions to watch, but it’s hard to argue with what he’s done in college.

NFL teams will be lining up for his services in the 2022 NFL Draft, so don’t expect Ahmad Gardner to be on the board very long. The Broncos (despite going corner early last year), Vikings, Eagles, Steelers, and Bengals are just a few names that could select him in the first round. It will be interesting to see where he ends up!