2022 NFL Draft: Grading Jets’ No. 4 pick of Sauce Gardner

The New York Jets selected Cincinnati Bearcats’ Sauce Gardner with the No. 4 overall pick and here’s our grade of the pick.

The 2022 NFL Draft is going by fast as the top teams are going according to plan. The New York Jets got the star of their defense as they picked Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner with the fourth overall pick.

Gardner was at the top of the list of many Jets fans throughout the 2022 NFL Draft process. He has been one of the best lockdown corners in college football this past season. He was so efficient on the field that he didn’t allow a single touchdown while in coverage.

Grade of New York Jets’ selection of Sauce Gardner: A+

This past season, Gardner accumulated 40 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, four pass breakups, three interceptions, five tackles for loss, and three sacks. He is a three-time first-team All-AAC and a consensus All-American this past season.

Gardner will come in as the reincarnation of Darrell Reevis, their last elite defensive back. His ability to stay tight in man coverage and be quick and alert in zone coverage makes him one of the most elite defenders in this draft class.

The Jets needed as much help as they could throughout the field but more consistency in their defensive backs. Last season, the Jets ranked 30th in the league in passing yards allowed per game (259.4 yards). They have also given 28 passing touchdowns this past season.

Gardner not only adds consistency in his ability to play in coverage, but they add a future leader of the team if his development continues right on the path with the Jets. They have made more misses than hits. Outside of Jamal Adams, the Jets made some tough picks at defensive backs with Kyle Wilson, Dee Milliner, and Calvin Pryor. Gardner has a chance to overshadow those bad picks in his first year in the league alone.