Chris Johnson NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Miami Dolphins CB

Daniel HarmsDec 4, 2025

The Miami Dolphins selected San Diego State CB Chris Johnson with the No. 27 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Chris Johnson is one of the best-kept secrets in college football and another extremely talented cornerback who played his best football in 2025.

A precise technician on the outside, Johnson displays the scheme versatility to excel with his eyes in off, zone, and man coverage. He trusts his athleticism to flip his hips and run while staying patient and reading opponents' manipulation tactics.

The former 3-star recruit has played his entire career at San Diego State and set new career highs in tackles for loss (3), interceptions (4), defensive touchdowns (2), and passes defensed this year (9). After choosing to go back to school last season, he's making the case to be the first G5 player selected in this upcoming draft.

Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft since 2019 while contributing for RGR Football. Most recently, he spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network and is entering his first season in our scouting department.

Highlights

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Where He Wins

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— Johnson has good size and athleticism to compete on the outside at the NFL level. His hip fluidity helps him stay in phase at every level.

— Scheme versatility to toggle between man and zone while having the football IQ to stay in his responsibilities in each. He sees route combinations well and uses his eyes well in off coverage.

—He maintains a good athletic position in his backpedal to remain smooth which aids in change of dircection. He has the speed to turn and run and recover down the field.

— Plays with instinctual movements in off coverage and reads receivers well to trigger on routes. He attacks the football in the air and times his burst to close on the football to break up the catch point or take the ball away.

— A willing participant in the run game, Johnson always stays ready to tackle and wraps up to finish plays.

Areas of Improvement

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 07 Oregon State at San Diego State

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— Johnson has a hitch in his trigger when he gets momentum running upfield. Receivers who sell vertically with speed and decelerate create separation on comebacks and out breakers.

— When in press alignment, using more jam technique and timing hands at release points will aid the former 3-star corner in staying on top of routes and not getting stacked vertically.

— Down the field he locates the football, but will get out-timed at the catch point. Focusing on the catch point and hands of the receiver while timing his jumps better can create more difficult catches.