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The New York Giants’ case for drafting ‘Sauce’ Gardner

By Matt Lombardo

Quarterback Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is chased out of the pocket by Ahmad Gardner #1 of the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Quarterback Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is chased out of the pocket by Ahmad Gardner #1 of the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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If the New York Giants are targeting a cornerback during the 2022 NFL Draft, there might not be a better fit than Cincinnati’s Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner

Cornerback is a premium position in the NFL, and one where the New York Giants could have a significant need at if James Bradberry is ultimately traded.

Fortunately for new general manager Joe Schoen and the Giants, the organization could be in prime position to land one of the premier players at the position during the upcoming NFL Draft.

Currently slated to pick No. 5 and No. 7 overall, there’s a legitimate possibility that Schoen and the New York Giants could have their choice of blue-chip cornerbacks, depending on how the board shakes out in the top-four selections.

Pro Football Focus believes that the best fit for the New York Giants would be Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner:

"Gardner is too good in press coverage to not be used in press in the NFL, and either of the two New York teams would be a perfect fit for the Cincinnati corner.The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder has played over 100 more snaps in press coverage than anyone else in the FBS since 2019, and he leads the entire group in coverage grade on those reps. He has big-time arm length at 33.5-inches and brings the alpha mentality during one-on-one reps.Regardless of the NFL team he ends up with, Gardner will have to get used to playing more off-zone than he did in college. But if he lands with either the Giants or Jets, his transition to the pros would be as smooth as can be."

New York Giants eying “Sauce” Gardner in the 2022 NFL Draft?

As FanSided previously reported, Gardner was in town for a pre-draft top-30 visit with the New York Giants this week.

However, the New York Giants might need some help, if Gardner is Schoen’s top target. That’s because according to multiple league sources, the Houston Texans are intent on taking a defensive back with the No. 3 overall choice, and are believed to be “enamored” by Gardner.

Gardner, 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, intercepted three passes, broke up four others, and produced a career-high 40 total tackles as one of the Bearcats’ premier defenders this past season.

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