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NFL Draft/Bearcats
From UC:
Cincinnati wide receiver Alec Pierce became the highest drafted wide receiver in school history when the Indianapolis Colts selected the Glen Ellyn, Ill., native on Friday night in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. 53 overall pick.
Less than 30 minutes later, Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook was picked by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round with the 62nd overall pick.
The pair joins Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, who was the highest pick in Cincinnati history at No. 4 overall to the New York Jets, to give Cincinnati three picks in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft for the first time in school history.
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder was selected by the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night with the No. 74 overall pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He becomes the fifth UC quarterback drafted all-time and the fourth Bearcat selected in the first three rounds of the 2022 Draft.
“I couldn’t be more excited for Desmond and his family,” Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell said. “I’ve said this before, but he really is like a son to me. He was here from the start with us, and we really grew together – me as a head coach and he as our quarterback. This is really a special moment for him and for our program. The Falcons are getting a leader, a competitor and a quarterback who will do everything it takes to win on and off the field. He makes everyone on the field better. He’ll be a perfect fit for Atlanta. He got better every year here, and he is certainly ready to take that next step to be the face of a franchise and to lead an NFL team.”
The Louisville, Ky., native was the second quarterback selected in the 2022 Draft.
Cincinnati defensive end Myjai Sanders was selected by the Arizona Cardinals on Friday night with the 100th overall pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He is the fifth Bearcat selected in the Top 100 picks. Only Georgia (eight) and Alabama (six) had more players picked in the Top 100.
“Congratulations to Myjai and his family on this exciting day,” Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell said. “Myjai’s selflessness and ability to play multiple positions inside and on the edge for us this season really enabled our defense to be what it was. I think in the NFL he’ll be a guy who can really develop into an outstanding pass rusher. He’s got all the potential in the world, and he will be a great addition for the Cardinals.”