2018: Michigan, LSU, Kentucky, Missouri

Gardner-Johnson has the athletic ability to come in and be an immediate contributor in a team's defense as a rookie. He fits the mold of today's defensive backs that defensive coordinators are looking for to combat against the passing attack in the league. He will be more effective if team's ask him to play in the slot or inside the box while lining him up as a deep safety from time to time. He does a great job in man coverage because he can jam in press coverage while being able to move and flip his hips to run with his man. He does a great job at attaching to hips and mimicking routes. In off man coverage or zone, he does an outstanding reacting to out or slant routes then using his speed to his advantage to jump the route to get in passing lanes which can disrupt where the quarterback wanted to go with the ball. He also can be used in blitz packages or to help clog lanes against runs. He will explode up the field to break up screen plays and isn't easily blocked by receivers. During his first season he will experience ups and downs as he learns the defensive scheme. He will need some coaching up on the field and in the film room to help cut down his mental mistakes. If he can develop in that area of his game and if a team uses him to his skill set, then he can be a long-time contributor to a team’s defense. He might not end up as a star but can be a productive player.