Riggo's Rag
FanSided

2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: 3 QBs go in the top 10, Redskins land defensive stud

By Jacob Camenker

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators gets past Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter of the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators gets past Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter of the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
28 of 33
Next
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 29: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson #23 of the Florida Gators intercepts the ball in the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 29: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson #23 of the Florida Gators intercepts the ball in the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

28. . Defensive Back. Florida. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. 27. player

With their third first-round pick, the Raiders are able to grab a potential difference maker for their secondary. It may not be a player that many are expecting to see in the first round, but it is certainly something that could happen.

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is a player whose draft stock is starting to heat up. He played very well this season for Florida, and he was a force in their dominant bowl game win over Michigan.

Against Michigan, Gardner-Johnson was all over the field. He made five tackles, had two interceptions, and logged a defensive touchdown on one of them. He showed great athletic ability and instincts in those contests, and that’s probably one of the reasons he elected to sell high on his stock and declare for the draft.

At the NFL level, Gardner-Johnson will likely be a safety, but he could also play slot corner in sub packages. He’s the type of defender that could play all over the field, and his 6-foot, 208-pound frame will allow him to become a well-rounded player overall.

Gardner-Johnson would likely start alongside Karl Joseph in the Raiders’ defensive backfield, taking over for the veteran Reggie Nelson. He would help add youth to the team’s defense and give Jon Gruden more playmakers for that defense that sorely needs some.

For those wondering why Deionte Thompson wasn’t the selection here, I’m anticipating that he will return to Alabama. If that changes, he will likely be the pick here over Gardner-Johnson.

Home/Commanders Draft News