REPORT: TOP CORNERBACK PROSPECT SET TO VISIT WITH EAGLES

By Victor Williams

March 25, 2022

 

With the 2022 NFL Draft just over a month away, teams are beginning to ramp up their visits with coveted prospects around the country.

The Eagles have plenty of holes to fill on the roster, one of which being cornerback.

According to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, Philly is one of five teams that have top-30 visits with prized defensive back Ahmad "Sauce” Gardner:

"Gardner, 21, has top-30 visits with the New York Jets, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Seattle Seahawks, according to league sources. He has already met privately with Texans coach Lovie Smith, per sources, at the Cincinnati Pro Day workout where he stood on his NFL Combine testing numbers. He also met with the Giants, Jets, and New Orleans Saints at his pro day.”

Gardner is widely regarded as the second-best corner in this class behind LSU standout Derek Stingley Jr. He’s projected to go well before the Eagles’ first selection at #15. Still, with three first-round picks, Howie Roseman could elect to trade up in the draft to grab an elite talent.

The Draft Network’s Scouting Report on Ahmad Gardner:

"Ahmad Gardner was a wiry, 160-pound high school recruit that was overlooked by the top Big Ten schools in the recruiting process but developed into one of the best cornerbacks in college football and a top NFL prospect. Since joining the Bearcats, Gardner has filled out his frame and became a standout starter as a true freshman. Gardner is a long and athletic corner that can function in a variety of coverage techniques but his best work comes in zone and press coverage. He is a feisty competitor with excellent coverage instincts and he has above average ball skills.

When it comes to areas of concern at the next level, there can be some drag-down tendencies as a tackler—his high hips elongate his ability to trigger and drive downhill and he needs to trust his athleticism more and not be so grabby in coverage. Gardner has the makeup of an NFL starter that could claim that role in year two if not year one. He has every necessary trait to develop into an above average starter for an NFL defense and his high-level play across three seasons in college sets him up well for success at the next level.”

Gardner didn’t allow a single touchdown during his three-year college career in Cincinnati and never allowed more than 20 yards receiving in a single game last season.

If he somehow slips out of the top-10, the Eagles may be within striking distance to pair Sauce with Darius Slay.

https://thelibertyline.com/2022/03/25/report-ahmad-gardner-visit-eagles/

I think Gardner may end up being the first CB off the board. I think there's a good chance he's actually the best CB in this draft. 

6 minutes ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I think Gardner may end up being the first CB off the board. I think there's a good chance he's actually the best CB in this draft. 

If he gets to 11 or 12 I could see Howie making a move up to get him.  It would likely be something similar to last year where we gave up our 3rd to jump up a few spots to grab Smith.  

Last year first 2 CBs off the board went 8 and 9. Year prior saw Okudah go 3 and Henderson go 9.  2019 was a crazy year ... only one CB went in round 1 and that didn't happen until pick 30.  

If I had to guess Stingley and Sauce both go top 10.  My next favorite is Booth - don't want to trade up for him though ... hoping he falls to one of our picks.  

Just due diligence from the Eagles in case he slips a bit which he probably won’t...

I'd imagine the Eagles would have to trade up inside the top 10 to get Gardner.  And if they trade up, it won't be for a CB, it'll be for a D-lineman.  Love Gardner, but the only way we land him is if this scenario happens: Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, Thibadeaux, Hutchinson, Jermaine Johnson and prob Karlaftis are all off the board by pick 11 or 12...and Howie failed at trying to move up for any of them....and Gardner is still out there.  

The eagles actually have enough assets in picks and players to move up twice in the first round to get what they want.  And if they did, it would almost guarantee that they trade the third 1st round pick for multiple picks in later rounds or next year.