2022 NFL Mock Draft: Desmond Ridder jumps into Round 1

Nov 20, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
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2022 NFL Mock Draft
2022 NFL mock draft; Florida Gators safety Kaiir Elam (5) against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

23. Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Watching the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, it didn’t seem as though they need to add anything to their roster. They handed the New Orleans Saints a 31-6 defeat and it wasn’t even as close as the score suggested — and the score suggested a blowout, so let that sink in.

With their roster being strong, it allows the Bills to go for the best player on the board which is Kaiir Elam from Florida. A young man who had a father and uncle both play in the NFL, Elam is pro-ready and should be a starter across from Tre’Davious White. Adding him would give Buffalo one of the best, if not the best, secondaries in the league.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Another team that has a stacked roster is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, they do have a bit of a hole in theirs as the defensive backfield is suspect. That’s why they go for a cornerback with their pick in Round 1, settling on Ahmad Gardner from Cincinnati.

One of the surprise teams in the NCAA, Cincinnati continues to roll and Gardner is a huge part of that. After 10 games, he has 25 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions — his third season in a row with three. He’s a ballhawk who could help give the Tampa Bay offense more favorable starting positions, which will only make an already dangerous team that much tougher to deal with.