The Sauce is within me, so I'm always Sauce. You've got to have speed, athletic ability. Eric Gay/Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. 4 overall selection by the Jets in the 2022 NFL Draft. He saw less than three targets on average per game, and didn't allow a reception of 20-plus yards all season. (AP Photo/Eric Gay), Florida defensive back Kaiir Elam covers a play against Tennessee during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux), Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam (5) follows a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack). At the NFL Scouting Combine, someone asked Gardner how he'll react after he's beaten for a touchdown in the NFL. Another explanation was his affinity for dipping sauces. Daelin Hayes hopes for a healthy 2022 season as he strives to establish his presence as an NFL pass rusher. Pro Football Focus' Eric Eager says 'no one has done what Lamar Jackson has done at the level he's done it.'. Kyle Hamilton's measurements are similar to an impact rookie from the 2020 season -- Jeremy Chinn. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. "My presence. What he had to say: "You know just me being able to come on the field and change the team," Gardner said at the Combine when asked why he's the best cornerback in this draft. In his statement, Ford, who is from Tampa, Florida, thanked Bearcats for embracing him and making the city feel like home. "The last three years have been incredible and I'm proud of what I accomplished at the University of Cincinnati. "When I'm on and off the field, I make sure I've got the sauce. Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh slip in CBS Sports' Top 10 quarterback/head coach rankings. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. By the time you go through all the tape, it's what's not to like about this guy? Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters lead a versatile group of corners who will be crucial to Baltimore's defense. With the No. The 2022 NFL Scouting Combine concluded Sunday as the defensive backs and place kickers took center stage on the final day of workouts. This defensive back class has the potential to be the best in years, as there are plenty of talented ball hawks and tacklers in this secondary crop. I have to know when to flip the switch up and turn the switch off. Karl B DeBlaker/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. UC had eight players at the combine as they all now countdown to draft night in April. Highest Floor and Highest Upside in Each Round. (AP Photo/John Minchillo), Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner covers his ground against Navy during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Annapolis, Md. But his jovial personality was evident, and it was clear the pressure of the Combine wasn't too big for him. "I don't take anythingfor granted.". But putting a microphone or a wide receiver in front of him brings out a different persona. He's the No. What they had to say about him: "Long, lean and linear, Gardner's physical and football growth are on full display when comparing his 2019 tape to 2021. Gardner has the traits and demeanor to become a highly effective CB1 within his first couple of seasons." This past season he logged 35 tackles with 3 interceptions, 3 sacks, and 4 breakups and led the FBS with a 26.1 QB rating when targeted. His strengths will be stopping the run in the box and his leadership ability, but his stock may take a slight hit unless he is faster at his pro day. Ahmad Gardner one of the better players in this draft. Gardner was a three-year starter for the Bearcats. The announcements come after a historic season for the Bearcats, who became the first non-Power Five team to break into the College Football Playoff.While they fell to top-ranked Alabama, the Bearcats were still able to celebrate a successful season, competing at the highest level in college football.In his statement, Ford, who is from Tampa, Florida, thanked Bearcats for embracing him and making the city feel like home.He went on to thank his coaches for the opportunity and his teammates for pushing him to be the best. I'm ready to take the next step and compete in the NFL. People being able to look up to me even if they're older than me know and my love for the game. Jeff Dean/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. Elaine Thompson/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. Gardner's performance at the Combine could help make him a top-10 pick, taking him off the board before Baltimore can grab him. With the 97th overall pick, the Detroit Lions select safety Kerby Joseph. All Rights Reserved. section: | slug: 2022-nfl-scouting-combine-defensive-back-winners-and-losers-40-times-measurements-and-more-from-day-4 | sport: football | route: article_single.us | I had a feeling all along after talking to the coaches.". The Lions used the No. "I love being on the field with my brothers, flying around on the field," Gardner said. Rashod Bateman having a breakout season is a 'necessity.'. Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner has a recipe for success, and confidence is a major ingredient. Gardner (6-3, 200) has the size and the speed (4.41 in the 40 at the NFL Combine) to emerge as a fixture and No. His strong play last season combined with Cincinnati's march to the College Football Playoff semifinals helped his standing not only among other cornerbacks in the draft but propelling him in a group of the best players in the entire draft. At 6-foot-3, Gardner is much taller than McDuffie (5-foot-11) and looks capable of covering a wider range of receivers. He went on to thank his coaches for the opportunity and his teammates for pushing him to be the best. David Zalubowski/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. 4 selection in the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas on Thursday night, the New York Jets picked Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner, adding an elite talent to a young and evolving position group. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete). It's a very, very challenging position to play, probably one of the toughest positions in sports to play, in my opinion. Even if Averett re-signs and Peters and Humphrey return better than ever, cornerback depth is always a priority in the NFL. 14 FOR THE SECOND TIME IN SIX DAYS. What makes them both very special, both guys can cover. When I'm in my little calm mood, it's just me being Ahmad. ", Tackles Mekhi Becton and George Fant, DE Carl Lawson Among Players on PUP List, Joe Douglas Added Pro Bowl LG Laken Tomlinson; Alijah Vera-Tucker Moved to Right Side, Top Returner Braxton Berrios, Top Tackler Justin Hardee Pack a Punch for Jets, Former Iowa State RB Was Drafted No. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Running back Jerome Ford and Cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner both announced on social media earlier this year that they have made the decision to enter the 2022 NFL Draft. THE NFL COMBINE IS GETTING UNDERWAY IN INDIANAPOLI S.A MAJOR GATHERING OF COACHES A FRONT OFFICE TYPES BEFE ORTHE DRAFT. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. "I'm one of the guys who's easy to get along, lead by example, I fit in, but I'm always willing to learn, to listen.". All rights reserved. Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner looks on against Navy during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker), Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner (12) breaks up a pass to Tulsa wide receiver Keenen Johnson (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Cincinnati. He's got terrific ball skills, recording nine interceptions (two for scores) over the last three seasons. That's important in the AFC North where the Ravens must match up with versatile receivers like Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd of the Bengals and Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool of the Steelers. All rights reserved. 2004-2022 CBS Interactive. Eric Gay/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. 3 prospect on Daniel Jeremiah's most recent update of his Top 100 in this class, behind only Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and N.C. State offensive tackle Ickey Ekwonu. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. All rights reserved. With the 237th overall pick, the Detroit Lions select cornerback Chase Lucas. How he fits: Gardner is the consensus top cornerback in this year's NFL Draft with a terrific blend of size, length and speed. 5 overall prospect in the draft by Dane Brugler of The Athletic. Comparisons are being made between Gardner and former Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Hamilton was 1 1/4 inches taller than Chinn (Hamilton is 6-foot-4 1/4), but they both come in with similar weights (230 for Hamilton and 231 for Chinn). Darron Cummings/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. 6:49 pm ET, ran the second-fastest combine 40 of all-time, Browns signing Josh Rosen as more QB insurance, Training camp PUP tracker: Michael Thomas heads list, Judge, Patricia get official titles for 2022 Patriots, Quarterbacks next in line to receive massive deals, Insider notes: Murray's new deal shouldn't impact Lamar, Why ex-Steeler 'Slash' should be in Hall of Honor, 2022 NFL Scouting Combine: DB winners and losers, Insider: Kyler's new deal shouldn't impact Lamar, Cardinals, Murray agree to huge 5-year extension. Already at an impressive 6-4 and 205 pounds, Woolen's arm length was measured at 33 5/8 inches and he is one of the most athletic cornerbacks in this draft. 2 receiver role? While they fell to top-ranked Alabama, the Bearcats were still able to celebrate a successful season, competing at the highest level in college football. 2022 NFL Draft preview: 5 cornerbacks that could interest the Lions, Lions Legends share their thoughts on Detroit hosting 2024 Draft. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | But you've also got to have a warrior's mentality. Sauce Gardner stood at 6-2 3/4 and had a 33 1/2 inch arm length; only six cornerbacks have had similar measurements prior (per Warren Sharp). Gardner checks all of those boxes and his stock continued to rise at the Combine. "I think it's such an interesting position," General Manager Eric DeCosta said." As we prepare for the start of training camp on July 27, here's a look at how each position group is shaping up: Cleveland may sign a backup quarterback if Deshaun Watson serves a lengthy suspension.