Round 1 – Pick 12 overall: Ahmad Gardner, CB – Cincinnati
One of the best things about this year’s draft is that some of the biggest needs for the Minnesota Vikings are also the deepest positions in terms of prospects available. One of those positions is cornerback,
There will be many players from other positions taken leading up to the number 12 pick, with edge rushers, offensive linemen, quarterbacks, and other amazing athletes on the big board. This could cause the cornerbacks to fall in the draft, leading Minnesota to select Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.
Minnesota will likely select one of the top corners in the first round: Gardner, LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr., Clemson’s Andrew Booth Jr., Washington’s Trent McDuffie, or Auburn’s Roger McCreary. Gardner would be the cream of the crop based on his size, athleticism, and on-field skills, but any of them would be a solid pick.
Gardner is drawing comparisons to Richard Sherman after not allowing a single touchdown during three years and 33 games. During that time, the physical corner defended 16 passes while grabbing nine interceptions.
At 6’3 and 190 pounds, he is a physical corner who could be a game-changer in a Vikings defense that struggled mightily in the secondary last year. With a mentor like Patrick Peterson to help him grow and develop, Ahmad Gardner has the potential to be elite in the NFL.