By now, the Green Bay Packers' need to address cornerback at some point in the 2026 NFL Draft is clear as day. San Diego State standout Chris Johnson has been a popular name, though his stock appears to be rising, perhaps too much.
The Packers have done their due diligence on Johnson. He reportedly has "plenty of fans in the team's scouting department." It seemed that Green Bay could land him when first on the clock with the No. 52 overall pick — emphasis on the past tense.
Alas, as we approach the annual "Player Selection Meeting," it's become increasingly evident that the Packers may have to look elsewhere. Johnson is the 34th-ranked prospect on FanSided's Big Board, which further highlights his soaring stock.
Signs keep pointing toward the Packers missing out on CB Chris Johnson in 2026 NFL Draft
There has been so much buzz surrounding Johnson that he's entered the first-round conversation, and understandably so. The 2025 Mountain West Conference (MWC) Defensive Player of the Year has an impressive collegiate résumé and an excellent blend of speed, explosiveness, versatility and toughness. Green Bay was early to the party, though that may not matter in the end.
At this rate, it's hard to envision Johnson sliding to the Packers in the middle of Round 2. He's gaining a lot of steam, and quickly. Around 10 teams ahead of where Green Bay picks will be looking at a cornerback -- specifically at Johnson, since his stock has risen so much heading into the draft. So, barring a trade-up, which the club is ill-equipped to do after mortgaging its future to acquire superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons, let's temper expectations.
Why it took this long for Johnson to generate so much interest is strange. He offers true shutdown at the next level. His four-year career at San Diego State highlights the level of talent we're dealing with here.
Standing at 6-feet tall and weighing 193 pounds, Johnson has average size, but he has the tools to be a difference-maker wherever he winds up. His 9.84 Relative Athletic Score is good for 51st out of 3,068 corners since 1987. So, while the Packers would love to see him fall into their laps, they shouldn't get too excited about the idea.
Johnson saved the best for last at San Diego State, putting together his best campaign as a senior. He amassed 49 tackles (three for loss), nine pass deflections, four interceptions, a sack, a forced fumble, and didn't allow a single receiving touchdown. His efforts earned him a 91.6 overall Pro Football Focus grade, the second-highest score among 897 qualified corners.
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