The New Orleans Saints added to their safety rotation this offseason when they selected former Florida defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Gardner-Johnson said he has joined the best team in the NFL.

“It’s the best all around team from top to bottom, offense and defense,” he said this offseason. “I’m just coming into a system where everything has a standard. I’m just going to come in and live up to that standard so everyone on the team and in the front office upstairs can be proud of me and say these guys are set.”

Last season, the Saints finished with an NFL best 13-3 record, won the NFC South division, and made it to the NFC Championship Game as the No. 1 seed before being eliminated.

The former Florida standout said he has known Saints secondary coach Aaron Glenn for a while after the two met up for a Nike event out west.

“Coach Glenn and I were on the same team in high school (all-star camp) when I went to the (Nike) Opening (camp) in Oregon and he coached me,” he said.

“Since then, he’s always talked to me, kept my head (on straight), made sure I was on track. My last visit was actually with Coach Glenn and it was like, dang, I could probably play for you on a bigger stage and a bigger level, not just in high school. Now that I’m playing alongside of him and the great players they have in the back end, I’m just ready to go in and work.”

The player said he was overcome when the club called him up to give him the news.

“It was emotional, it’s been a long weekend,” Gardner-Johnson said. “I’m thankful I got the call, but now I’ve got the call so I can put my head down and just work. I appreciate Coach (Sean) Payton, Coach AG (Aaron Glenn), the DC (Dennis Allen) for their prime belief in me and making me their first defensive selection. I am ready go in there and compete and just work.”

Gardner-Johnson admitted he was surprised he waited so long to hear his name.

“Yes, but it’s all in God’s plan,” he said.

“I got drafted. My name got called. Now, when it’s time to get up there, I’m ready to work, put my head down, and just be a great teammate and rookie for everyone to be around.”

The safety believes he can help the Saints in a number of ways.

“I’m versatile, I can move around and help other guys,” he said.

“I’m not just a “hop when I see it” kind of guy. I can cover, I can actually be in the box and just play and pick up the run with my team and just go in and compete.”