2019 WorldWide Rams Draft Profile: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson | Florida | FS

WorldWide Rams 

Doug Nelson

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Safety

HOMETOWN              |            CLASS
Cocoa, FL                |             Junior
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DRAFT YR:  2019     COMBINE INVITE: YES


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Player Bio: Officially changed his last named from Chauncey Gardner in honor of Brian "Pops" Johnson, whom Chauncey regards as a family member even though they are not blood relatives. Gardner-Johnson was named a USA Today All-Florida selection as a senior at Cocoa High School before heading to the University of Florida.. Began his college playing career as a backup defensive back as a freshman, where he also excelled on special teams. He did crack the starting lineup by the end of the season, and notched two interceptions in the Outback Bowl in 2016, becoming the first freshman to win Outback Bowl MVP since Emmitt Smith. Anytime a player can get their name mentioned in the same sentence as Emmitt Smith, that is a very good thing.

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Safety
SCHOOL:  FLORIDA      |      CONFERENCE:  SEC      
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:  5-11  / 210         ARMS:33"          HANDS: 9 1/4       40: 4.50         

COMBINE RESULTS
BENCH |   40 YD DASH  |   VERTICAL JUMP  |  BROAD JUMP |   3 CONE DRILL   |    20 YD SHUTTLE  |   60 YD SHUTTLE
​    17      |         4.48          |              36"              |           117"         |            7.03            |            4.20              |             N/A

PRO-DAY RESULTS
BENCH  |   40 YD DASH  |   VERTICAL JUMP  |  BROAD JUMP |   3 CONE DRILL   |    20 YD SHUTTLE  |   60 YD SHUTTLE (Pro Day March 27th")
​    N/A     |         5.03          |          29 1/4"            |           109"         |            N/A            |               N/A             |             N/A
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Game Film
#23 Chauncey Gardner-Johnson vs. Michigan (2019 Peach Bowl)

Strengths: An athletically gifted player who is fast enough to match up in man coverage with opposing wide receivers and big enough to matchup with tight ends and play well in run support. Tracks the ball well and generally takes good angles. Versatile player who can cover slot receivers, blitz, play up in the box like an extra linebacker and even do well on special teams. In terms of athleticism and versatility. Gardner Johnson is a "do it all" kind of player who could almost be considered a cornerback/safety hybrid. At one time his tackling was considered somewhat questionable, but he has worked hard on that skill and improved greatly.

Weaknesses: Gardner-Johnson declared one year early, and most of his flaws have to do with technique rather than athleticism. His footwork could be better, and he has a tendency to lose his balance on occasion. Like a lot of young players, he can be over-aggressive and sometimes will get caught out of position because of it. Even though his tackling has improved, he still misses more tackles than you would like. Because of the over-aggressiveness and tendency to miss tackles, he can get burned on big plays now and then.

Draft Grade: 5.90

Draft Projection:  1st - 2nd round.

Does He Fit?:  Certainly, although the Rams are probably set at safety and may not want to burn a high draft choice on a player who will probably not start right away when they have other pressing needs. Having said that, Gardner-Johnson's versatility and ability to cover several roles with a single roster spot is very attractive.  But as things currently stand, the Rams don't have a second round pick, and my guess is they will go offensive or defensive line with their first round pick.. If Gardner-Johnson should fall to the third round (where the Rams have two picks) or the Rams end up with a second-round pick via trade, this guy could be a high pick.

​NFL Comparison:  Nate Allen
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