C.J. Gardner-Johnson explodes in sophomore season

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports Ceedy Duce a/k/a Chauncey Gardner, Jr. a/k/a C.J. Gardner-Johnson - whatever you want to call him - exploded onto the scene in his second season with the New Orleans Saints. A former fourth round pick from the University of Florida in 2019, Gardner-Johnson started as a special teams role player in year one, and quickly flashed to become a full-time starter in his second season.

Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesCJGJ had career numbers this season, tallying 66 tackles with 52 solo tackles, 5 tackles for loss, an interception and 13 pass defended. He stepped into a starting spot in the nickel position, and in today’s NFL the nickel cornerback is an essential…