This time last year, Chris Johnson wasn’t exactly regarded as the No. 1 NFL prospect from the Group of Six. But things changed as the 2025 season went on.
The San Diego State star was a lockdown cornerback in the Mountain West, earning him G5 Co-Defensive Player of the Year recognition. Through a coaching change, Johnson’s commitment to SDSU paid off.
And now he could very well end up going in the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Chris Johnson NFL Draft Projection
I project Chris Johnson will be selected early in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Johnson was projected by some to even be a first-round pick earlier in the draft cycle. I don’t know if teams will take him that high, but really the main critique against him is that he played for a Group of Six program. Otherwise, he has the tape, production, and combine testing of a Day 1 player.
Chris Johnson’s 40 Time & NFL Combine Results
Chris Johnson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds, which ranked third out of 20 cornerbacks who participated in that drill at the NFL Combine.
He also recorded 17 bench press reps, which tied for first among corners. His broad jump of 10 feet, 6 inches was 10th among 20 CBs, and his vertical jump of 38 inches was 15th among 23 at his position group.
Chris Johnson’s Height & Weight
Chris Johnson was measured at 6-foot and 193 pounds at the NFL Combine.
Chris Johnson Stats & Highlights
Chris Johnson was a 2025 HERO Sports Group of Five All-American and G5 Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025. But he was productive for a great portion of his career, tallying 152 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 20 passes defended, six interceptions, and five forced fumbles over his four years as an Aztec.
Last season, he racked up 49 tackles, three TFLs, nine pass breakups, one forced fumble, a sack, and two defensive touchdowns. A year before, he totaled a career-high 67 tackles with four pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and an interception. As a sophomore in 2023, he recorded 30 tackles, a pass breakup, an interception, and a forced fumble.
Where Is Chris Johnson From?
Chris Johnson is from Eastvale, California. He was a three-star prospect out of Eleanor Roosevelt High School before going to San Diego State.
Chris Johnson NFL Draft Profile & Comparison
I think Chris Johnson plays a little bit like Christian Gonzalez of the New England Patriots.
In Pro Football Focus’ grades of FBS cornerbacks who played at least 200 snaps in 2025, Johnson was second in the country for overall defense and coverage.
Johnson mirrors receivers well and is fluid when he’s dropping back. He shows great footwork as well.
Johnson was top 20 in the nation with a 41.9% reception rate. He allowed 18 receptions for 185 yards on 43 targets. Throws his way had just a 16.1 NFL passer rating, which was second-best in the country. He didn’t allow any touchdowns in 2025 and gave up just two during his entire collegiate career.
Johnson is also a versatile player. While he primarily played on the outside, he has the speed to play in the slot as well. Johnson was top 30 in the country with a 5.6% missed tackle rate, so he didn’t miss out on many tackle opportunities either.
He can make an impact while blitzing, as he was 10th in PFF’s grades for pass rushing. He also made a few tackles on punts, so he can play on special teams as needed, too.
Johnson is one of the fastest and strongest in this year’s cornerback class. He’s a complete player, which I think he’ll prove in the NFL.
