Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Sauce Gardner (Cincinnati) - 2022 NFL Draft Pick #4 by NYJ

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Sauce Gardner - 2022 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner
• Position: Cornerback
• College: University of Cincinnati
• Height: 6'3"
• Weight: 200 lbs

Strengths:

• Length and Size: Gardner possesses an impressive wingspan and height, making him a difficult matchup for receivers.
• Coverage Skills: He demonstrated exceptional man-to-man and zone coverage abilities, often shutting down top receivers.
• Ball Skills: Gardner has a knack for making plays on the ball, recording multiple interceptions during his college career.
• Physicality: He plays with a physical edge, both in press coverage and when defending against the run.
• Football IQ: Gardner shows a high understanding of the game, making quick decisions and adjusting to opposing offenses.

Weaknesses:

• Experience Against Elite Competition: While he performed well in college, some scouts questioned how he would fare against NFL-caliber receivers week in and week out.
• Inconsistency in Tackling: Although he is physical, there are instances where his tackling technique can be improved.

Overall Assessment:

Sauce Gardner is widely regarded as one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and skill set makes him a potential shut-down corner in the NFL. His ability to play both man and zone coverage effectively, along with his ball-hawking instincts, gives him a high ceiling at the next level.

Projected Draft Position:

Most analysts projected Gardner to be a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, with many believing he could be the first cornerback off the board.