C.J. Gardner-Johnson
S, Florida · 2019 NFL Draft, Round 4, pick #105 (NOR)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: pre-draft rankings, age. Details below.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #52 overall (#5 at his position), but he lasted until pick #105: teams let him slide 53 spots past that ranking.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53.2% of the time (654 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Florida: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at 210 lbs: faster than 52% of DBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
S (DB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.7% of the time (1,116 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 87 of ~117 possible regular-season games from 2019 through 2025 (~74%). Plus 6 games so far in 2026.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 93 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 4 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 27 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 2.4 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 29.4 |
| Defense | 297 tackles, 7 sacks, 21 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2019 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2019 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Slid 32+ picks past ESPN's rank | 53.2% n=654 | |
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position DB | 50.7% n=1,116 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 11", 210 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.48 s |
| Bench press | 17 reps |
| Vertical | 36" |
| Broad jump | 117" |
| 3-cone | 7.03 s |
| Shuttle | 4.2 s |
| Arm / hand | 30.88" / 9.25" |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #52 overall (#5 S) |
Picked around him 2019 redraft
| 102 | Alexander Mattison | redraft #78 |
| 103 | Hakeem Butler | redraft #229 |
| 104 | Ryan Finley | redraft #190 |
| 106 | Maxx Crosby | redraft #4 |
| 107 | Anthony Nelson | redraft #89 |
| 108 | Julian Love | redraft #55 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.