Jets’ Pro Bowler predicted to become one of the NFL’s best players in 2023
Having only played in the league for one season, New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner has certainly made a strong impression. And now, the expectations for his second season are high. In some way-too-early award predictions for the upcoming NFL season, Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports awarded the defensive player of the year to Gardner. "Gardner […]
Having only played in the league for one season, New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner has certainly made a strong impression.
And now, the expectations for his second season are high.
In some way-too-early award predictions for the upcoming NFL season, Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports awarded the defensive player of the year to Gardner.
"Gardner was just so damn good in his rookie year. He has put the league on notice," Payton wrote. "My guess is that he'll put the league on notice yet again in 2023."
The cornerback was drafted by the Jets in the first round with the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and signed his four-year, $33.5 million rookie contract in May 2022.
Across 17 games played, Gardner had a total of 70 tackles (46 solo) with two interceptions.
And Payton believes that his interceptions numbers will "at least double or triple" this season.
Along with his impressive statistics, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound cornerback was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year along with earning First Team All-Pro. Gardner also competed at the Pro Bowl.
If he did all of that in his rookie season, there is certainly a lot more in store for the young cornerback.
Sauce Gardner is the PERFECT cornerback: Film Breakdown
In this film breakdown, we analyze New York Jets rookie CB Sauce Gardner and what makes him so special.
Featured Image via Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
