New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

NFL analyst: Jets CB Sauce Gardner best rookie so far

By Nathaniel Griffee | Last updated 10/5/22

New York Jets cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner was No. 1 in the rookie rankings by NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah.

Pointing to the fourth overall pick's "uncanny knack for locating and playing the ball down the field," Jeremiah believes Gardner is "already establishing himself as one of the premier players at his position."

Gardner has looked the part of a top-flight cornerback since he took the field this season. He has played 100 percent of the defensive snaps in three of four games and allowed only nine receptions.

Gardner has shut down big-time receiving threats, including Mark Andrews, Ja'Marr Chase and Diontae Johnson. In Week 4 against the Steelers, Gardner was especially impressive, allowing only two receptions for nine yards on seven targets.

He also delivered a key move on the play that led to Michael Carter II's interception, which set up the Jets' winning drive:

Sauce Gardner knocks it free and Michael Carter II gets under it to give the #Jets a late spark

(: @nyjets) | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/elGbAn5w0N
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) October 2, 2022

Gardner isn't the only Jets rookie who's impressing, according to Jeremiah. Three other Jets made his top-25 list: wide receiver Garrett Wilson (No. 5), RB Breece Hall (No. 8) and DE Jermaine Johnson (No. 18).

It's worth noting that these rookies are ranked by Jeremiah above their draft positions. Wilson was picked 10th, Johnson 26th and Hall 36th.

Based on early returns, Jets GM Joe Douglas has done a fine job rebuilding the team.

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