3 cornerbacks at NFL Combine Chicago Bears should trade up for

Ahmad Gardner is worth the Chicago Bears trading up for

Junior

College: Cincinnati

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 200 lbs

There is an argument to be made for the top cornerback in this draft, and while many agree it’s Derek Stingley out of LSU, this guy would argue til the death that it’s him. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is a tall, lanky and competitive cornerback that has the makings of a number one corner.

The 6-foot-3 Cincinnati product has absolutely no problem with confidence. In fact, many will label him as “cocky,” but that’s the type of attitude a true number one cornerback needs to have at times. Look back at a guy like Richard Sherman in his prime, and he was pure, raw intimidation. Even Jalen Ramsey has that type of mantra, and look at his career.

Gardner has the length to make it difficult on just about any receiver in the league. He’s as competitive as they come, and will let his opposing man know what he’s planning to do. He uses his competitive attitude and a little bit of swag to try and intimidate at times, and as a defensive coach like Eberflus, you have to like that.

In 2021, Gardner allowed only 6.6 yards per reception.

His technique is where people will try and bring him down or nit-pick him, but Gardner is such a free-flying type of corner who goes more with his instincts than true technique. That might get him in trouble, penalty-wise, so he’ll have to keep an eye on that. But, Gardner is every bit worth trading into the first.