In his latest 2022 NFL mock draft for Pro Football Focus, Seth Galina has the Denver Broncos selecting Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner with the ninth overall pick in the first round.
“The Broncos could opt for a quarterback, but I don’t think any are worthy of this pick,” Galina wrote on PFF’s website. “Instead, they take Gardner to pair with Patrick Surtain II. A new defensive system could mean more man coverage for the Broncos, and opposing offenses will have a tough time throwing on those two players on the outside.
“Gardner is as good in press-man coverage as anyone in the draft and has never allowed a touchdown in his career.”
With Kyle Fuller, Bryce Callahan, Nate Hairston and Michael Ford all scheduled to become free agents in March, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Denver target cornerbacks again this offseason.
Gardner (6-2, 188 pounds) totaled 99 tackles, 16 pass breakups, nine interceptions, 3.5 sacks and two defensive touchdowns in three seasons (33 games) with the Bearcats.
No quarterbacks go off the board before Denver’s pick in Galina’s mock. He has the Broncos passing on prospects including Liberty’s Malik Willis, Pitt’s Kenny Pickett and Mississippi’s Matt Corral (Galina does not have any QBs drafted in the first round of his mock because he hasn’t given any of them a first-round grade).
The Broncos currently have 11 picks to use in this year’s NFL draft.
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