Mekhi

Garner

Garner (6’2/212) went the JuCo route before transferring to Louisiana where he was an All-Sun Belt performer, holding opponents to only 14 receptions on 36 targets for a 39% catch rate and 29.1 NFL passer rating when targeted. His strong play from the Ragin’ Cajuns earned Garner a grad transfer to Baton Rouge, where he started all of his 13 games for the SEC West champs and adjusted to the bump in competition by allowing a 44.4% catch rate in the NCAA’s premier conference. A long-limbed defender who ran a disappointing 4.55s 40 (52nd%), but excelled in his jumps and pulled it all together for a very projectable 8.98 RAS. The biggest question mark with Garner is whether or not he can overcome his poor speed and choppy feet that leave him a step behind at times. A massive corner who posted three seasons with PFF tackling grades above 76.5, Garner could eventually fit at safety if he doesn’t hold up at corner.

Brian Kelly is working hard to bring LSU back to its glory as quickly as possible. As CFB fans know, there is very little leeway for a rebuild in the SEC. Kelly added eight transfers to his team including former Louisana star DB Garner (6'2/212). He didn’t match his number from 2020, but that’s because offenses knew to stay away as the opposing quarterback targeted him just 34 times. If he can transfer his abilities to the power conference, he’s someone to keep an eye on in 2022.

It’s been a rough day for Louisiana, as they have seen three key players enter the transfer, which includes Garner (6'2/212), who started in all but one game for the Ragin’ Cajuns this season. Per Pro Football Focus, Garner appeared on 538 defensive snaps while totaling 34 tackles, and eight pass breakups, drawing a PFF coverage grade of 79.1. Opposing quarterbacks targeted Garner just 34 times all season, as he allowed 16 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Garner was a JUCO transfer from Navarro College who joined Louisiana in 2019. He’s been a solid defensive back in his time at ULL, and has three career interceptions to his name along with 15 career pass breakups.