New York Jets land CB Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner, WR Garrett Wilson in first round of 2022 NFL draft

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets made history Thursday night and got faster on both sides of the ball. With two top-10 picks — a franchise first in the common draft era — the Jets selected Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad «Sauce» Gardner with the fourth pick in the first round and followed six picks later with Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

The Wilson pick suggests the Jets have moved on from the idea of trading for disgruntled San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The Samuel speculation sparked intense drama, but the Jets decided to keep their draft picks and build through the draft.

Gardner will join a revamped secondary that includes two free-agent additions, cornerback D.J. Reed and safety Jordan Whitehead. The secondary was a weakness last season, as the Jets finished 30th in pass defense and managed only two interceptions from the cornerback position.

With AFC East loaded with fast receivers, including the Miami Dolphins' new addition Tyreek Hill, the Jets wanted to improve on the back end. They haven't had a true shutdown corner since Darrelle Revis, a first-round pick in 2007. They made first-round investments in 2010 and 2013 with Kyle Wilson and Dee Milliner, respectively, but neither came close to reaching expectations.

Gardner brings a glittering résumé to the Jets, an All-American who owns the uncanny distinction of never having allowed a touchdown pass in college. That covers three seasons and more than 1,000 snaps in coverage. He was so feared that he was targeted only twice per game last season. For his career, he finished with nine interceptions, 27 passes defensed and three sacks.

He also has unusual size (6-foot-3) and long arms (33½), traits that will help against bigger