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2022 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers replace Tom Brady with sleeper QB

By Randy Gurzi

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats drops back to pass during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats drops back to pass during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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2022 NFL Mock Draft
Sep 11, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner (1) reacts after an interception against the Murray State Racers in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

Patriots add some “Sauce” in 2022 NFL mock draft

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. Cincinnati. 21. Ahmad Gardner. player. 47

21. New England Patriots: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Year after year, the New England Patriots have one of the better defenses in the league and that was the case again in 2021. There was a lot of credit given to Mac Jones who led them back to the playoffs this season as a rookie but the young quarterback was successful largely due to the defense keeping them in games.

With Jones not being asked to carry the load, the offense was able to just play smart football and it led to a lot of wins. And while the Buffalo Bills knocked them out of the playoffs and claimed the dynasty was over, they weren’t taking into account that this roster is just getting started.

Here, they continue to build their defense up as they take Ahmad Gardner from Cincinnati. Adding another cornerback could lead to them moving on from J.K. Jackson who has been a superstar for them. But the Pats have shown in the past that they are willing to let the big-name cornerbacks head out in free agency and they simply bring in their next guy who plays just as well.

Even if they keep Jackson, this move would make sense as they could build a dominant secondary that can keep up with the Bills receivers as they try to get back into the top seat in the NFC East.

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