New Orleans Saints draft picks 2019: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson selected at 105th overall

The New Orleans Saints have an active Day 3 ahead of them for the NFL Draft, as they entered with five total picks. It didn’t take long for them to make an entrance on Saturday. With their first choice of Round 4, they’ve again traded up, this time with the New York Jets. They’ve taken Florida safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.

New Orleans also made a big splash on Friday evening after trading up with the Dolphins at pick No. 48 to grab Texas A&M center Erik McCoy.

Trade Details

Saints receive pick No. 105

Jets receive pick No. 116, No. 168

NFL.com Draft Profile

Big, athletic defensive back who requires tape study from 2017 and 2018 assess his optimal usage. Some teams will see him as a big slot defender who can blitz, support the run, handle zone duties or play man on big receivers and matchup tight ends. Others will see him as a Cover-1 high safety with the range and ball-tracking to take it away over the top. Gardner-Johnson is too often a step behind in his reads and reaction allowing completions that could be breakups. His versatility and talent could make him an early starter with a high-ceiling if he can put it all together.

Saints Top Remaining Needs

• Offensive Line
• Wide Receiver
• Defensive Line
• Defensive Back
• Linebacker

2019 NFL Draft Schedule

• Saturday, April 27 – 11:00 a.m. CT (Rounds 4-6 – 5 Minutes Per Pick, Round 7 - 4 Minutes Per Pick)

Remaining Draft Picks

• 5th Round: 168th Overall (traded to Jets)
• 6th Round: 177th Overall (via New York Jets)
• 7th Round: 231st Overall (via Cleveland)
• 7th Round: 244th Overall