Sauce Gardner
CB, Cincinnati · 2022 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #4 (NYJ)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
The 2022 class is only 4 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 59 of ~68 possible regular-season games from 2022 through 2025 (~87%). Plus 6 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #5 (#1 at his position), close to where he went (#4).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Cincinnati: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at 190 lbs: faster than 80% of DBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
CB (DB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.7% of the time (1,116 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 65 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 3 |
| Pro Bowls | 2 |
| First-team All-Pro | 2 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 33 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 2.4 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 35.4 |
| Defense | 169 tackles, 1 sacks, 3 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2022 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2022 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position DB | 50.7% n=1,116 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 3", 190 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.41 s |
| Arm / hand | 33.75" / 9.63" |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #5 overall (#1 CB) |
Picked around him 2022 redraft
| 1 | Travon Walker | redraft #25 |
| 2 | Aidan Hutchinson | redraft #13 |
| 3 | Derek Stingley Jr. | redraft #3 |
| 5 | Kayvon Thibodeaux | redraft #33 |
| 6 | Ikem Ekwonu | redraft #38 |
| 7 | Evan Neal | redraft #113 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.