Two Former Bearcats Make Way-Too-Early NFL All-Rookie Team

CINCINNATI — Sports Illustrated's NFL Draft Bible unveiled their way-too-early NFL All-Rookie teams and two Bearcats made the cut starting with quarterback Desmond Ridder.

"Incumbent Marcus Mariota the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, may have more pressure on him than rookie Ridder," Bo Marchionte wrote. "Mariota is aiming to resurrect his career with a high-profile quarterback waiting in the wings. The Falcons should struggle mightily and pressure to play Ridder should build quickly. Ridder finished his career with a 44-6 record. He was a perfect 26-0 at home. Ridder’s winning attitude and demeanor will make it hard for Atlanta to not give him an early audition to start."

Ahmad Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. were both selected in the top five of the 2022 NFL Draft and both cracked this list.

"The Cincinnati star went one slot behind Stingley in the NFL Draft," Marchionte wrote. "Gardner makes everyone gush with his size and ability. Famous for not allowing a single touchdown in college football, he’ll have veteran receivers eager to be the first to catch a six-point pass on the talented rookie. The Jets needed playmakers and selected a player who can retrieve the ball for the offense via the interception."

Gardner and Ridder are strong candidates to earn starting snaps early on as rookies and if they play well in those opportunities they'll be primed to make this team at the end of the 2022 campaign.