Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Rich Gardner (Penn St.) - 2004 NFL Draft Pick #92 by TEN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Rich Gardner

College: Penn State
Position: Cornerback

Overview

Rich Gardner was a standout cornerback at Penn State University, known for his athleticism, technique, and playmaking ability. As the 2004 NFL Draft approached, he was considered a solid prospect with potential to contribute at the professional level.

Strengths

• Coverage Skills: Gardner exhibited excellent man-to-man coverage skills, showcasing his ability to stay with receivers and limit their separation.
• Ball Skills: He demonstrated a knack for making plays on the ball, often coming up with interceptions and pass deflections.
• Physicality: Rich was not afraid to be physical in run support, showing a willingness to tackle and support the defense against the run.
• Experience: Having played at a prestigious program like Penn State, he brought a level of experience and maturity that NFL teams valued.

Weaknesses

• Size: At 5'10", some scouts were concerned about his size in comparison to taller receivers in the NFL.
• Consistency: While he had flashes of brilliance, there were games where his performance was inconsistent, leading to questions about his reliability.
• Speed: Although he was quick, there were concerns about his long speed against faster receivers, which could be a liability in the NFL.

Projection

Rich Gardner was projected to be a mid-round selection in the 2004 NFL Draft. Teams looking for a competitive cornerback with experience and the ability to develop further were particularly interested in his potential. His performance at the NFL Combine and subsequent workouts would ultimately influence his draft stock.

Conclusion

Gardner was viewed as a solid cornerback prospect with the potential to become a reliable contributor at the next level. His combination of skills and experience made him an intriguing option for teams in need of defensive help in the secondary.