The Dallas Cowboys still have some work to do on defense. After yet another quiet free agency, there are multiple spots on the defensive roster that need addressing.
Luckily, Dallas has three picks in the first three rounds to work with. While he likely won't make it into the first round, San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson will be an interesting name for Cowboys fans to watch on the second day of the draft.
San Diego State CB Chris Johnson 2026 NFL Draft scouting report
Height:Â 6'0"
Weight:Â 193 pounds
40-yard dash time:Â 4.40 seconds
Recruiting:Â 3-star recruit, No. 125 ranked CB nationally
College production:Â 148 tackles, 6 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles
Positives:
- Above average zone coverage defender.
- Measured in his backpedal, managing the space between himself and the receiver.
- Consistently rips through the ball at the catch point.
- Rarely misses tackles in the open field.
Johnson is a reliable zone coverage cornerback. He thrives in a deep third, managing the space between himself and opposing receivers and eliminating options for quarterbacks. His four interceptions in 2025 showcase his ability to jump in front of routes with perfect timing.
Negatives:
- Can get caught with his eyes in the backfield a bit too often, leading to lapses in coverage.
- Lacks the strength to hold up in press coverage against bigger receivers.
- Struggles to close space against faster receivers when he's beaten.
The San Diego State prospect can get beaten in man coverage more often than teams would like to see. He has decent long speed, but his lack of quick burst leaves him without a consistent mode of recovery when beaten.
Chris Johnson NFL player comparison:Â Kendall Fuller
Most known for his time with the Washington Commanders, Kendall Fuller won consistently by diagnosing route concepts in zone coverage and breaking on passes. He wasn't the most athletic cornerback in the league, but his instincts and technique kept him around for a long time. Similarly, Johnson could become a long-term contributor in the right scheme.
Chris Johnson NFL Draft grade:Â Early 3rd round
Johnson's grade is heavily dependent upon what kind of scheme he will be dropped into. When asked to play man coverage consistently, he's average at best. But in a system that relies on Cover-3 heavily, he could thrive. The San Diego State prospect may never be an All-Pro, but he could easily be a starter in the NFL for the next five to seven years.