The 2026 NFL draft is loaded with wide receivers, offensive linemen, and edge-rushers, but it lacks first-round talent at several other positions.
Cornerback is one of them, as just three CBs — LSU’s Mansoor Delane, Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy, and Clemson’s Avieon Terrell — are currently projected to go in Round 1.
But JP Acosta of CBS Sports believes there’s another under-the-radar corner who could sneak into the back half of the first round: Chris Johnson of San Diego State.
“A player whose name has gained a lot of steam over the last few weeks is San Diego State’s Chris Johnson,” Acosta wrote. “He has the required length and demeanor to match up on the outside in zone coverage and plays physically enough to be a factor in run defense as well.
“Add in a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the combine, and that screams first-round corner. For teams picking at the back end of Round 1 like Miami, Kansas City and Seattle, he fits what they look for in a cornerback. With Avieon Terrell’s 40-yard dash potentially dropping him, Johnson could be the beneficiary and find himself in Round 1.”
Though he’s not a household name, and he doesn’t have the fanfare as someone like Delane or McCoy, Johnson, the reigning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Mountain West selection, is a turnover machine.
In addition to his 48 tackles, 14 passes defended, and eight forced incompletions last season, Johnson recorded four interceptions and a forced fumble. He finished his college career with six interceptions and five forced fumbles.
Johnson is also a strong cover corner. He allowed 185 yards receiving, a 41.9 completion percentage against (18 catches on 43 targets) and zero touchdowns in coverage last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and he allowed a 55.3 completion percentage and just two touchdowns in four seasons.
