Part 3/8:
Gardner, ranked as the 22nd-best cornerback in the NFL by PFF, has shown flashes of elite talent during his two seasons. His best years recently include being arguably the top corner in football in his initial two campaigns. His strengths lie in run defense and coverage, although he's not expected to rush the quarterback. His fall from the top was noticeable last year, but he's been improving this season.
The Colts clearly see Gardner as a crucial piece to bolster their secondary and become more competitive. The Jets, on the other hand, are clearly betting on the value of draft picks, which could position them for a major rebuild or to acquire a franchise quarterback in the future. The magnitude of this trade underscores the shifting sands of NFL team-building priorities.