The Houston Texans have been linked to former Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner in the past month. Whether it is coach Lovie Smith having a private meeting with Gardner after his pro day, or the organization bringing in “Sauce” to NRG Stadium, the Texans have considerable interest.
Houston has two picks in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL draft at No. 3 overall and No. 13 overall. Theoretically, Houston could meet an edge rusher need or an offensive line priority with the third overall selection, and then grab Gardner with the 13th overall pick.
However, the New York Giants have two selections at Nos. 5 and 7 overall — perfect position to take who they have their sights set on. One of those targets could be Gardner.
According to Jeevan Kirkland from the Giants Wire, Gardner would be the perfect cornerback for new defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale’s scheme, and the Giants might turn in the card to give him what he wants.
Martindale is known for his aggressive blitz schemes and man coverage which would, indeed, be perfect for Gardner, who is likely a top-10 selection in the draft making him a potential selection for the Giants in the fifth or seventh overall pick.
If the Giants are a serious destination for Gardner, then the Texans have to use their initial first-round selection to ensure the Tampa 2 has a cornerback that fits coach Smith’s profile.
“I think like most people, in an ideal world, receivers are getting bigger and bigger, but if you can find a six-feet corner that is faster than most people, that’s pretty special,” Smith told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on March 2. “We put a big emphasis on ball skills. To me the object of the defense is every snap is to score and take the ball away. We put a big emphasis on that, but we won’t try to bring anyone in, add them to our mix if they don’t like to tackle. We ask our corners to tackle. They have ball skills of course, but it still comes down to whether you can play man coverage a lot.
At 6-3, 200 pounds, Gardner meets the vitals, and his mentality to be physical is also what Smith is looking for. If the Texans want to give Smith the cornerback he wants, they need to do it at their earliest convenience and not wait until No. 13 overall.
