Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Too early to tell 2019 NFL re-draft

Round 3, Pick 99: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida

Original Pick: Mike Edwards, S, Kentucky

How Florida’s Chauncey Gardner-Johnson fell to the fourth round makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. He received a first round grade and was the 17th overall prospect, number one rated safety.

The Buccaneers stated they envision Mike Edwards playing in the slot often, however, Gardner-Johnson has experience playing cornerback as well and is far and away the best slot safety in this class. Throughout his college career CGJ played strong and free safety as well and had his best season in 2018.

Last season Gardner-Johnson tallied four picks, nine tackles for loss, two defensive touchdowns, and 71 total tackles. He is a stat sheet stuffer who has the flexibility to play over the top, in the box, or in the slot for a defense, and now the Buccaneers must face him twice per year as he landed with the New Orleans Saints.

There have been rumors teams were less than impressed with their face-to-face interactions with Gardner-Johnson, causing him to slip into the third day of the draft. With their last pick on day-two, before the Saints had a chance to grab him, the Buccaneers here take Gardner-Johnson with the 99th pick in the draft.