The 2022 NFL Draft cornerback class is a bit top-heavy, with talent at the top and some lacking overall depth. Nevertheless, the talent at the top is elite, and there is an argument for three to four prospects to hold the CB1 mantle. But there can only be one, and according to PFN’s Draft Team, that one is Cincinnati CB Ahmad Gardner.
2022 NFL Draft: Why Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is CB1
Cincinnati went a remarkable 13-1 last season, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Much of their recent success can be attributed to a stalwart defense filled with NFL talent. While several Bearcats have (and soon will) made the leap to the pros, Gardner is by far the program’s top prospect — ever.
Cincinnati has seen just two players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft: QB Greg Cook in 1969 and DT Bob Bell in 1971. While I cannot speak to their scouting profiles coming out of college, I do know Gardner is an elite-level prospect. Cook went fifth overall, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Gardner went in a similar range.
Derek Stingley Jr. is really the only corner who could rival the Cincy CB among the 2022 NFL Draft cornerbacks. Even then, he has health and consistency concerns, similar to Clemson’s Andrew Booth Jr. Kaiir Elam missed time with injury and doesn’t possess the same lockdown ability as Gardner. And while Trent McDuffie is a versatile piece in the secondary, he simply lacks the size and physicality to outmuscle receivers.
Of course, we are nitpicking, as all of these corners are at the top of the class. But Gardner is arguably the “safest” among the group. Gardner can impose his will on opposing receivers at a rocked-up 6’3″ and 190 pounds, with exceptionally long 33 1/2″ arms. He famously didn’t allow a touchdown in his three years at Cincinnati while reeling in 3 interceptions each season. Additionally, he conceded under 20 receiving yards in every game in 2021.
Upward trajectory
Gardner has consistently improved since his true-freshman campaign — which was already dominant. Madden-like growth is typically a fallacy, but Gardner has cut down on penalties, honed in his aggressiveness, and improved his technique with each passing year. He was built in the lab for press-heavy teams due to his lanky frame and experience in the system at Cincinnati.
Teams who deploy press on a high percentage of snaps, which is admittedly becoming less common, will be high on Gardner. He doesn’t have the same experience in zone, but he has the length to disrupt windows. He can bump and run and has the athletic ability to stay in phase and suffocate WRs.
Now, Gardner isn’t a perfect prospect — no one is. His fluidity leaves a bit to be desired, and he plays a bit more upright than you’d like. His tackling technique can be a bit more consistent, but he is already an enforcer with a high motor chasing ball carriers.
Overall, Gardner has the physical tools, football IQ, and high-level production to be the CB1 in the 2022 NFL Draft. Plus, with the nickname “Sauce,” you know he has the confidence and swagger to lead a secondary.
Remaining CB rankings at the top
2. Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
3. Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson
4. Kaiir Elam, Florida
5. Trent McDuffie, Washington