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Packers trade down in latest two-round mock draft

By Freddie Boston

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 10: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson #23 of the Florida Gators asks the crowd for noise during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 10: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson #23 of the Florida Gators asks the crowd for noise during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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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) /

Round 1, Pick 30: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida

Later in the first round, the Packers address arguably their biggest remaining need which is at the safety position. There are a number of mixed opinions on where Gardner-Johnson will be selected but No. 30 would be a good spot for the Packers to improve their secondary.

Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network wrote that Gardner-Johnson “projects as a true game changing defender at the NFL level”, and TDN website has him as the 12th best prospect in the entire class at any position. That’s high praise.

Another reason why Gardner-Johnson would be an excellent addition to Mike Pettine’s defense is his versatility, as he has the ability to play safety and cornerback. And as Jacob Westendorf of Dairyland Express noted, comparisons can be made to former Packer Micah Hyde.

Gardner-Johnson made four interceptions in 2018 and nine over the past three seasons in Florida. That’s important to note as Green Bay’s defense finished 29th in takeaways last year, making just seven interceptions. And five of them were made by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Bashaud Breeland — neither player is still on the roster.

There’s a lot of talent at the safety position in this class without there being a clear No. 1 who will be selected early on. There should be multiple options for the Packers either at No. 30 or No. 44, and Gardner-Johnson would be a great choice to start at safety next to free-agency signing Adrian Amos.

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