Chris Johnson

NFL Draft Profile: Chris Johnson

Position: Cornerback | School: San Diego State | Class: Senior

Height: 6'0" | Weight: 195 lbs | Archetype: Zone / Slot

College Career Summary

Chris Johnson enters the 2026 NFL Draft as a battle-tested, high-IQ cornerback who served as the defensive anchor for San Diego State. After an impressive sophomore campaign in 2023 where he was named the SDSU Special Teams Player of the Year, Johnson transitioned into a full-time starter in 2024. During that junior season, he led the Aztecs in defensive snaps (757) and earned All-Mountain West Honorable Mention honors.

In 2025, Johnson solidified his draft stock as one of the premier zone-coverage defenders in the country. He was named a Preseason First-Team All-Mountain West selection by multiple outlets and lived up to the billing, finishing the year as the highest-graded defender on the team. Known for his elite "track speed" and high-level tackling for his size, Johnson successfully balanced the duties of a boundary corner with the versatility to slide inside.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 40+ (12 in 2025)

• Total Tackles: 150+ (67 in 2024; approx. 55 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 1.5 (0.5 in 2024; 1.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 0.0

• Interceptions: 2 (1 in 2024; 1 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups (PD): 9 (4 in 2024; 5 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 4 (3 in 2024; 1 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Texas A&M-Commerce	3 Tkl, 1 FF	A-	Mental Toughness. Forced a fumble early to set the tone.
vs. Oregon State	9 Tkl, 1 PD	A	High Motor. Led the team in tackles against a heavy run team.
@ Cal	4 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Clean coverage game; eliminated the vertical threat.
vs. Central Michigan	5 Tkl	B	Disciplined in his zone drops; zero receptions over 10 yards.
@ Wyoming	4 Tkl	B	Handled the cold and physical run game well.
vs. Hawaii	2 Tkl, 1 INT	A+	Star Impact. Baited the QB into a crucial sideline pick.
@ Washington State	6 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Stamina. High snap count against an Air Raid system.
@ Boise State	7 Tkl	B	Tackling. Clinical open-field stops against elite backs.
vs. New Mexico	3 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	IQ. Sniffed out two screen plays for minimal gain.
@ UNLV	4 Tkl	C+	Weakness. Caught on a double move for a deep gain.
vs. Utah State	5 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Lockdown in the red zone; two critical forced incompletions.
@ Air Force	3 Tkl, 1 TFL	A-	Physical play at the line; diagnosed the option perfectly.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Zone Instincts: Johnson is a premier "eyes-on-the-QB" defender. His ability to pass off routes and trigger downhill is among the best in the 2026 class.

• Track-Level Speed: He possesses high-end recovery speed that allows him to close windows that look open to quarterbacks.

• Sure Tackler: Despite a leaner frame, he is a violent and efficient tackler. He led SDSU in solo tackles for much of his junior and senior years.

• Durability: An "Ironman" who led his team in defensive snaps. He is medically clean and has proven he can handle a full season's workload.

Weaknesses

• Press Physicality: While he has the length, he can be out-muscled by larger "X" receivers at the line of scrimmage. He is much more effective in "off" coverage.

• Man Coverage Sticky-ness: Can occasionally get "grabby" at the top of the route stem when forced into 1v1 situations against twitchy slot receivers.

• Ball Production: While he disrupts many plays, scouts would like to see him turn more "Pass Breakups" into "Interceptions."

Scheme Fit: Ideal Zone Corner or Nickel in a Cover 3 or Quarters heavy system (e.g., Eagles, Seahawks, or Rams).

NFL Comparison: Kendall Fuller

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 18/20 | IQ: 19/20

Final Grade: 91/100

Chris Johnson is a "coach's player." He is technically sound, extremely intelligent, and plays with a high motor. While he may not be the flashiest athlete in terms of highlight-reel interceptions, his ability to eliminate half the field in a zone scheme is invaluable. His experience as a Special Teams Player of the Year early in his career also gives him a higher floor than most corner prospects. He is a ready-made NFL contributor who can start in the slot or as a high-end CB2.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round