I know the Saleh's system doesn't emphasize corners argument has been said countless times, but should we be 100% sure? While not 1st round picks, the Saleh/Pete Carroll defenses have always emphasized tall, physical man defenders at corner and Gardner fits that to a T. Plus, looking at Douglas' draft record with the Jets/Eagles, Echols is the only CB taken who was taken that is under 6-feet. Also, guys like Sidney Jones, Rasul Douglas and Eric Rowe were taken pretty early.
I like Gardner's upside, but our CB group flashed enough to give them another year of development before using a high pick on one. Our pass rush, LB's, and safeties need a boost way more now and the draft has prospects at each position. I like Eli Ricks and Avery Young as options in 2023 if the play of our CB's warrants it.
Gardner’s so awesome and perfect for our scheme. His size and physicality/ability to jump routes when he comes forward reminds me a lot of Richard Sherman. Plus he’s a good tackler. I just don’t see corner in the cards for us in the first round unfortunately. I want to roll one more year with the kids as I’m glad we did this year. Maybe grab a mid-tier FA.
That's kind of what I expect as well, but Gardner is the one guy, who between talent, fit and lack of medical concerns would be the one guy that would test Saleh/JD's cornerback draft philosophy.
I've been watching some podcast draft discussions and I don't feel its impossible that Gardner is the Jets pick in this draft bases on these four "ifs" 1) If the Jets cannot reasonably trade down 2) The two edge guys and their favorite rated tackle (either Icky or Neal that could start their NFL career at RG) is drafted and the other one they don't rate worthy of their pick 3) The Jets don't feel Karlaftis is worth the 4th overall pick 4) The Jets don't feel Hamilton is as "generational" in his technique and football instincts as he is physically/athletically If all 4 of those things end up to = true I think Gardner would probably be the odds on favorite to get drafted 4th overall by the Jets. And to be honest how bad of a move would that be long term? Chances are decent that Gardner doesn't turn into some all time great, and he probably won't be the greatest top 4 overall pick in NFL history but chances are also very high that he has a long fine career as a very + player and will be a big help to the Jets for years to come. In other words, picking Gardner this spring is probably not going to hurt you or be a bad move.
Well said. I'm not in favor at all of drafting a CB early in this draft. Even though he's a great prospect, I think we need to focus on other positions in the draft, and I think our CB corps would benefit more by JD signing a quality FA CB who is a ballhawk or at least a bit of one. Hall isn't. Echols really isn't, either. That said, your analysis is spot on imo. IMO most of the time it is better to take a blue chip player that plays a premium position, even if it isn't a big need, than it is to reach for a lesser player at a premium position out of need. There are times however, when a premium position is so important that having a bad player at it is crippling one's offense or defense, and even though reaching for a player at that position may not produce great value, it could be enough of an upgrade that it at least enables one's offense or defense to function on a fairly high level rather than continue to be crippled. If JD thinks that Gardner is the way to go at #4 I will get on board and support the move, regardless of who else is sitting there at #4.
Gardner is a fantastic prospect but we’d have to take him at 10. If we slide back 6-8 spots and take him I’d be thrilled. I could accept it at 10 but it’s a bit of a reach.
Gives me Antonio Cromartie vibes. Looks like he's comfortable in bump and run but I'm a little worried about whether he'll be able to hang with tougher route runners. I saw a few plays on tape where he got beat on the route but the superior athleticism allowed to play catch up and knock the ball away. That is going to be harder in the NFL. CB is one of the hardest positions to project in the draft (though chances are Gardner will be a solid player). I'd be fine if it's what they decide at 10 but we really cannot afford to miss on bringing in surefire talent.
