What It Means:

Gardner-Johnson primarily covered the slot as a rookie, so this isn't a surprise. He recorded an interception and 9 pass deflections while playing over half of the Saints' defensive snaps. His play improved over the course of his rookie year and he wound up starting each of the Saints' final four games, including the playoffs. Gardner-Johnson did get beat on a handful of occasions, but he was the only player in the league last season with more forced incompletions (9) than first downs or touchdowns allowed (8) at the slot position. The fourth-round pick should only continue to get better in his second season, which will be necessary when matched up with the likes of Rob Gronkowski (twice), George Kittle, Travis Kelce, Kyle Rudolph, Hunter Henry, and Zach Ertz.

numberFire's models project CGJ for 1.2 interceptions and 3.2 pass deflections in 2020. The Saints D/ST is 16th in our preseason fantasy rankings.