Before the Jets drafted Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, they made their picks public. The move has been hailed as a victory for transparency in sports and coincides with the NFL’s recent push to make games more accessible than ever before.
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, the New York Jets’ first-round pick in 2018, is a highly athletic prospect with the potential to be a dynamic player. He’s also one of the more interesting players to watch in this year’s draft.
The New York Jets missed the playoffs for the 11th straight year after a terrible 4-13 season under first-year head coach Robert Saleh, finishing last in the AFC East with a 4-13 record.
Last year’s No. 2 overall choice in the NFL Draft, Zach Wilson, struggled in his first season, completing just 55.6 percent of his throws for 2,334 yards and nine touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
But last year is over, and it’s time for New York to go on once again. The team invested some money in the summer and still has a chance to improve the roster in the 2022 NFL Draft. They definitely accomplished that with their first choice, selecting Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner of Cincinnati at No. 4. After that, they acquired wide receiver Chris Olave at No. 10 and traded for a third first-round selection to get Jermaine Johnson II, who had a better draft than predicted.
New York Jets draft choices in 2022
- Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, Cincinnati CB, is ranked fourth overall.
- Garrett Wilson, Ohio State WR, is ranked No. 10 overall.
- Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State, No. 26 overall
- Overall, No. 38: TBD
- Overall, No. 101: TBD
- Overall, No. 111: TBD
- Overall, No. 117: TBD
- Overall: TBD, No. 146
Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, Cincinnati CB, is ranked fourth overall.
Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, New York Jets 2022 NFL Draft selection | Mike Calendrillo/Sportscasting
With the No. 4 overall selection in the NFL Draft, it’s difficult to find a bargain, but the New York Jets may have done just that by obtaining Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner.
Sure, the Jets could have gone with an offensive lineman here, which is a necessity for Zach Wilson, but when a lockdown corner like this comes up, you take it. Gardner did not allow a touchdown in his whole tenure with the Bearcats. And he was a true freshman when he began. In 14 games in 2021, he only gave up 131 yards.
Friends, that’s some Grade A ‘Sauce’ right there.
Grade: A
Garrett Wilson, Ohio State WR, is ranked No. 10 overall.
Garrett Wilson, who has excellent body control and breakaway speed, could be a tremendous vertical option for Zach Wilson’s growth with Elijah Moore. He can not only run crisp routes that create separation, but he can also gain additional yards after the catch, which is usually good news for a rookie quarterback who is still learning the ropes.
Given the availability of Moore, Corey Davis, and Denzel Mims, the Jets didn’t have much of a need at wide receiver, and they could have been better served pursuing someone who might help them improve their defense.
Grade: C+
Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State, No. 26 overall
Jermaine Johnson isn’t slipping, according to one executive. He was overrated by the media. Exceptional performer. Not a member of the elite. It’s also important to have the correct personality match.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) April 29, 2022
With Jermaine Johnson II, the Jets have already checked off one of their most pressing needs at cornerback. He may have been overestimated by the pundits before to the selection (so much for being a top-10 lock), but his skill level as an edge-rusher who can fly off the line and bend around even the most athletic offensive tackles is still amazing. He’s inexperienced, inconsistent, and needs to improve his awareness, but he has enough promise to make this a bargain down the line.
Grade: B+
Sports Reference provided the statistics.
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The Jets may make a Godfather offer for Deebo Samuel, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.
The “jets off season” is a time when teams have the opportunity to make changes. The New York Jets made several moves this offseason, including drafting Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner and every other new York Jets pick.
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