Raiders Draft Watch: Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner
The Las Vegas Raiders' pass defense wasn't a significant weakness this season, as the team finished around the middle of the pack in passing yards allowed per game.
There are still a few valuable assets in Las Vegas' secondary heading into next season, but it could very well be losing some veteran corners to free agency.
This opens up an opportunity for the Raiders to seek to pick up Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner in this year's NFL Draft.
Gardner declared for the NFL Draft a couple of weeks ago, deciding to forgo his final year of eligibility with the Bearcats.
The Detroit native was the unanimous pick for the AAC Defensive Player of the Year award and received First-Team All-American honors from the Associated Press, AFCA, FWAA, and The Sporting News.
Gardner also was voted as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back in the country.
Gardner recorded 35 tackles, three interceptions, three sacks, and four pass breakups during the 2021 season.
The season before, the cornerback tied for second in the AAC in passes defended with nine total while also tying fourth in the conference in interceptions with three.
Las Vegas will have a low-20s first-round pick in this year's Draft. This is right around where Gardner sits in the latest NFL Draft projections, which should stand out to a Raiders team that should be building on its defense this offseason.
An addition of the best corner on the No. 4 college team in the country this season would certainly be a huge step for the Las Vegas secondary.
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