Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 safety targets still on the board
By Cory Kinnan
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida
This writer’s top safety in the class, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson slides into the second round and potentially into the Buccaneers’ lap with the 39th pick in the draft. CGJ could present a world of potential to the defensive coordinator Todd Bowles that could make it too hard to pass him up.
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Measuring in at 5’10 and a healthy 210 pounds, Gardner-Johnson proceed to leap to the tune of a 36 inch vertical jump, 9’9 foot broad jump, ran a 7.03 3-cone drill and a sub-4.5 second 40 yard dash at the combine. CGJ has enough athleticism to thrive in the NFL, and it is no secret Tampa Bay needs it.
Over his three year collegiate career, Gardner-Johnson tallied nine total interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, 15.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and 12 passes defended. A stat sheet stuffer, CGJ had a great 2018 season where he accounted for 71 total tackles, nine of which came behind the line of scrimmage, four picks, two defensive touchdowns, and three sacks.
During his time at Florida, Gardner-Johnson played cornerback, free safety, and strong safety for the Gators and has shown the ability to stack the box, play over the top of coverage, and excel in man coverage as well. In a secondary that has been bled dry over the past two or so seasons, adding CGJ to the room could provide an instant spark and a day-one starter for Tampa Bay.