You were right. Edwards was, is, better. Gardner isn't bad, he just needs some bulk IMO. I love how we kept every Dlineman. Gonna be stout!
I think he would have a better chance if he bulked up and played the 3tech position. He only has success when he rushes to the inside of the OT as a DE. He is not an outside rusher. He was the same way in college. The problem is that he is already not super quick so bulking up might slow him down too much. Some have suggested that he would be better as a 3-4 DE which might be true but most 3-4 teams really want their DEs to have long arms.
Having said that, if he was your 4th DE on game day, he could come in and not be a liability against the run.