Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is a superstar in the making

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is known in the NFL as one of the best trash talkers in the game.

The former Florida Gators defensive back has made a name for himself, getting under opposing player’s skin and causing them to commit penalties and even throw punches leading to an ejection.

However, in 2021, Gardner-Johnson will still be an elite trash talker, but he will also show he is an elite defender.

Entering the 2019 NFL Draft, I had Gardner-Johnson ranked as one of the best defensive backs in the draft and had him mocked in the first round.

Somehow, Gardner-Johnson dropped in the draft, and the New Orleans Saints got a huge steal when they took him in the fourth round, pick 105.

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is proving he should have gone in the first round.

Gardner-Johnson thrived right away for the Saints, playing in all 16 games, starting seven of them. In those 16 games, Gardner-Johnson had 49 total tackles, eight pass deflections, six tackles for a loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

Gardner-Johnson earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors after his impressive 2019 rookie season.

In 2020, Gardner-Johnson was even better, but he only played 15 games, starting 13 of them. Gardner-Johnson compiled 66 total tackles, an impressive 13 pass deflections, five tackles for a loss, one sack, and one interception.

Gardner-Johnson did not make the Pro Bowl or All-Pro teams, but he did show that he is on the cusp of becoming one of the best and most versatile defensive backs in the NFL.

In 2021, Gardner-Johnson will be even better.

New Orleans can line him up anywhere because he can thrive in whatever role they need. Gardner-Johnson can help in the run game, and he is dominant in coverage. He can play slot cornerback and also line up at safety.

The Saints will surely get creative with their blossoming defensive back, and Gardner-Johnson has a chance to take a step to cement himself as one of the best defensive backs in the game. Look for him to have a breakout season and make his first Pro Bowl and even have a chance to become an All-Pro.