VMI DL with developmental upside and trench toughness
Gardner is a VMI defensive lineman worth watching for his fit as a physical, effort-first interior presence, but the publicly available data is thin on recent production, snap counts, and advanced metrics. That means his value is more likely tied to traits coaches love in the trenches—size, motor, leverage, and willingness to battle rather than flashy stat lines. If you need a high-ceiling disruptor, the evidence here is limited; if you want a reliable developmental DL who can add depth and bring edge in the run game, Gardner is a reasonable fit.
