With the dust settling from free agency, the spotlight now shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams are busy finalizing their draft strategies, and the Green Bay Packers are no exception. Their focus appears to be on San Diego State's standout cornerback, Chris Johnson.
According to Gery Woelfel of Woelfelspressbox.com, the Packers are showing a strong interest in Johnson. They've already conducted a formal interview and are planning a follow-up via Zoom. It’s clear that Johnson is high on their list, especially as they eye the top of the second round.
Packers Eyeing San Diego State CB Chris Johnson
After last season's defensive struggles, it's no surprise the Packers are targeting a cornerback. They let Trevon Diggs walk in free agency and released Nate Hobbs after just one season. While they signed Benjamin St-Juste to a two-year deal, the secondary still needs bolstering.
Johnson, a two-year starter at San Diego State, has shown steady improvement. His versatility allows him to fit into multiple defensive schemes, playing both inside and outside. Known for his technical footwork and toughness, he’s a valuable asset for any secondary.
Throughout his college career, Johnson played 47 games, starting 23. He racked up 152 tackles, forced five fumbles, deflected 20 passes, snagged six interceptions, and scored two defensive touchdowns. His performance earned him a 91.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking second among 897 cornerbacks, with a 92.4 coverage grade, third overall.
Johnson's impressive NFL Scouting Combine performance, including a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical, caught the eyes of many. Experts like NFL Network's Lance Zierlein predict he’ll become a solid starter in the league.
With no first-round pick this year due to the Micah Parsons trade, the Packers' first selection is at No. 52 in the second round. Whether Johnson will still be available remains uncertain, as he’s projected to go between 30 and 40.
However, the Packers’ interest is undeniable. Their current starters, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine, could face competition from Johnson, who’s poised to challenge for a starting role from Day 1.
Johnson's Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.83, comparable to Marshon Lattimore’s 9.96, further highlights his potential. If Johnson mirrors Lattimore’s prime performance, he could become a top-tier NFL cornerback.
The Packers are keenly aware of the need to strengthen their cornerback lineup, which is why Johnson is such an appealing prospect. While he has areas to refine, like downfield ball tracking, his strengths in man and zone coverage, along with his instincts, make him a promising addition. Should the Packers secure Johnson, he would instantly enhance their defensive backfield-a prospect that should excite any Green Bay fan eager for defensive improvement.