Peter King’s annual season preview is always a must-read for NFL fans. It is always full of interesting tidbits. And for Jets fans, there is a very interesting note in there that will excite the fanbase.
King’s pick for Rookie of the Year for this season is none other than Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner.
A bit of a shot in the dark, because, unfortunately, corners have to have picks to win this award. Gardner will have some high-profile matchups, with the Jets facing Stefon Diggs, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill and whoever Aaron Rodgers is throwing to a total of seven games.
Recent history also isn’t on Gardner’s side. Only two cornerbacks since the turn of the century have won Rookie of the Year honors: Marcus Peters in 2015 and Marshon Lattimore in 2017.
But if any cornerback can break the minor curse, it’s Gardner. As King notes, Gardner may have the opportunity to go up against some of the best receivers and quarterbacks in the league this season. A few interceptions here and there, especially against that competition, and Gardner will absolutely be in the mix for the award.
