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New Orleans Saints: 3 underhyped players heading into the 2020 season

By Michael Balko

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson #22 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after breaks up a pass intended for Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of a game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on September 29, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson #22 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after breaks up a pass intended for Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of a game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on September 29, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
(Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

Number One: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson

There could potentially be no one more worthy of being on this list than the New Orleans Saints’ second-year safety, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Gardner-Johnson, a 5-foot-11, 210 pound defensive back showcased his star potential as a rookie last year.

The 22-year-old defensive back showcased his ability to play cornerback, nickelback, and safety with the Saints throughout his rookie year and really took over the nickelback role when he stepped up during PJ Williams’ suspension during the season and became the starter.

CJ proved he can be the next great stud out of the New Orleans secondary, especially with his incredible versatility.

Gardner-Johnson posted great numbers in his rookie campaign logging 49 tackles, six tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovered, eight passes defended, and one interception.

The Florida alum also proved he can be used in multiple ways as he logged 30 blitzes, seven quarterback pressures, and four quarterback hits while allowing just two touchdowns on the season.

The young star missed just four tackles during the entire season and is definitely a key building block for the future of the New Orleans Saints if he continues to ball out.

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