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The Cincinnati Bengals keep getting linked to Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner in 2022 NFL mock drafts.
And for good reason — corner is a massive need when looking ahead to next offseason given the dud of a dice roll on Trae Waynes. Gardner, who just so happens to play locally. might be the best outright corner in the 2022 class.
The latest to make this link is ESPN’s Jordan Reid, who has the Bengals adding some Sauce at 16th overall:
“Gardner hasn’t surrendered a touchdown over the entirety of his three-year career with the Bearcats, and with this pick he could stay near his college. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, he’s a lanky press-coverage corner who has the length to consistently cloud throwing windows and make it hard for receivers at the line. The Bengals’ defense has been better this season, but they still rank 24th in passing yards allowed per game (260.3).”
Offensive line is another spot the Bengals figure to eye in the draft’s first round given the issues at center and on the right side. But with Jackson Carman and Hakeem Adeniji still tabbed as potential starters for that right side, they might be able to roll with cornerback early instead.
Regardless, it’s hard to complain about the Bengals getting a top-tier prospect at a premium position who will be one heck of a fan favorite right away.
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