Sauce Gardner Gets Unjustified Criticism From Rival Executive

As the NFL season approaches, ESPN and other major publications continue to release their rankings of players ahead of the upcoming season. At ESPN, coaches, scouts, and front-office executives have been voting on the best ten players at each position.

One player who is always polarizing in league circles is the New York Jets superstar cornerback Sauce Gardner. This season, Gardner was ranked as the third-best cornerback in the league after being voted the second-best last season.

A veteran AFC Scout gave Gardner a glowing review:

"Who else with his length and size can cover like him? He's the best."

- Anonymous AFC Scout

Gardner is easy to defend and has the resume to back it up as he was targeted only 57 times last season while allowing only 366 yards and two touchdowns according to ESPN. Despite his incredible track record, another anonymous executive had a scathing review of Gardner:

"One of the most overrated players in the league, you could call holding on him every play."

- Anonymous high ranking NFL executive

The notion that Gardner holds on every play is laughable and it's likely coming from an executive who passed on Gardner and regrets it or from a rival of the New York Jets. The fact of the matter is the Jets got a transformational player at one of the most important positions in the sport.

The New York Jets defense is transformed by Sauce Gardner as opposing quarterbacks often avoid throwing to his side of the field. The play of Gardner has helped this Jets defense in limiting opposing offenses which has been crucial with inconsistent quarterback play. If the Jets can get a full season out of Aaron Rodgers with players like Gardner and Quinnen Williams on defense, the Jets will be a favorite in the AFC.

More New York Jets News: