Sauce Gardner was ranked third in the NFL at the cornerback position in a recent positional survey by ESPN. The third-year New York Jets cornerback was an All-Pro in each of his first two years in the league.
It was a bit of a surprise given that Gardner is widely regarded as the top cornerback in the NFL.
Last season, Gardner finished with 12 passes defended.
In talking with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, one league scout raved about Gardner’s size and his ability to cover, calling him “the best” at his position.
“One of the most overrated players in the league. You could call holding on him every play,” another league source told Fowler.
Sauce Gardner slips a spot in the CB rankings, dropping to third. “A polarizing figure” among execs and scouts, per @JFowlerESPN. #Jets https://t.co/RikmY6TmEK
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) July 18, 2024
It is a shocking knock on Gardner, who is a game-changer at the cornerback position. He is the franchise’s best cornerback since Darrelle Revis and is a pivotal piece of a defense that is considered among the best in the league.
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Pat Surtain and Denzel Ward were the top two players in the rankings compiled by Fowler.