Florida Gators: 3 former Gators ready for a breakout NFL season

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 10: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson #22 of the New Orleans Saints runs onto the field ahead of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

1. Former Florida Gators defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson

The first former Florida Gators player I see breaking out in the 2021 NFL season is New Orleans Saints defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.

I have loved Gardner-Johnson since he was drafted in 2019 in the 4th round by the Saints. Last year Gardner-Johnson’s play may have been overshadowed by certain events during practice and games. The first instance took place when teammate Michael Thomas punched him in practice. Next, he made headlines when Chicago Bear wide receiver Javon Wims sucker-punched him during a game.

Gardner-Johnson can get under wide receivers’ skin with his trash talk, but he will also get under their skin with his play this year. Gardner-Johnson recorded 55 solo tackles in 2020, along with 1 interception and 1 sack.

Gardner-Johnson will play a more prominent role in the Saints defense as his strength is playing in the box as he recorded 5 tackles for losses last season. Gardner-Johnson also excels in the slot, so he will be used a lot in coverage, where he also has shown flashes of greatness. Expect Gardner-Johnson to really shine in this season.

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