Chauncey Gardner-Johnson – SS Florida
5'11 210lbs. He had a good 40, Bench, 3CT, 20YS, VJ and a bad BJ. He wasn't amazing at any one thing but overall solid. When you consider 210lbs makes him one of the heaviest safeties at the combine those numbers look a tiny bit more impressive. His stats particularly the last 2 years have been good and over 3 years have suggested progression and improvement.
2:07 – There are a lot of plays you could point out with CGJ gets off his block to make the play. This was my favorite. The WR should absolutely own this angle. It's in wide open space. He still gets away and saves the first down.
3:05 – He saves a potential TD here (or at least 20 more yards) after the LB completely blows his assignment. Get's off his block quickly when he realizes it's pointless and breaks for the huge hole he knows the QB will run through.
3:42 – Again he easily brushes the WR off and attacks the ball.
4:18 – I'll let this one speak for itself. The only thing I'll add is from the get go he knew something was up and that is why he was so quick to react to it and make the play. I love when smarts meets ability like this.
5:34 – Hardly text book but he knocked a TE on his ass here. Fun to watch.
The good. When he gets his hands the ball he usually makes a big play with it. Plays with the aggression and violence you want to see. Looks athletic and fluid. Routinely defeats blocks. A good mix of intelligence and aggression. Good at defending underneath routes. Plays like the other team insulted his momma.
The bad. Can get a little too physical in coverage. There were a lot of non-calls that could have easily been called. Coverage isn't as tight as it could be at times If you get him in a vertical route against a WR that would be a very unfavorable match up. Even a TE going vertical could be bad. Would have been a better player 10 years ago.
Overall. You love what he can do and accept what he can't. That's the bottom line. He lives within 15 yards of the LOS, period. He plays like an old school SS and I mean that in both the good and bad ways. His defense on underneath and short routes is fine. If he goes up the field to the 2nd level he starts to get into trouble and you see separation. He wants to attack the ball and has a nose for it. Keep him near the LOS and let him make the plays he's able to make for you. Would work best on a team that runs a single high FS. On another defense I wouldn't like him as much. Grade 5.8