Top CB prospect may be Dolphins draft target after impressive combine

San Diego State CB Chris Johnson had a terrific workout at the NFL Combine and would be a second-round steal for the Miami Dolphins if available.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Miami Dolphins have several pressing needs in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft, including at cornerback. One prospect moving up the boards who had a stellar 2025 season at San Diego State is cornerback Chris Johnson. Johnson impressed at the NFL Combine with a 40-yard dash time of 4.40 seconds and a 38-inch vertical, and his Relative Athletic Score was 9.67, ranking him 93rd out of the 2,779 cornerbacks evaluated in RAS since 1987. If Johnson is available at the Dolphins' second-round pick (No. 43 overall), new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan should look to select him.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are in desperate need to add to their cornerback room, especially on the boundary. Veterans Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones, who were signed last season, are free agents, and 2025 fifth-round pick Jason Marshall Jr. was worked in at the slot role his rookie season. The overall depth is concerning as well, with not much experience in the position group at all.

The details

Johnson excels in zone coverage, but his football intelligence and coachability should help in his development in man and press, where he has a solid foundation. He had an outstanding senior season in college, where he picked off four passes, with two being taken back for touchdowns. He added nine passes defensed and even tallied three tackles for loss as well as a sack. Even more impressive, he held opposing quarterbacks to an incredibly low 16.1 passer rating when targeted, which goes along with his pass coverage grade of 92.4.

  • The 2026 NFL draft will take place in the coming months.

The players

Chris Johnson

A cornerback from San Diego State University who had an impressive performance at the 2026 NFL Combine, including a 40-yard dash time of 4.40 seconds and a 38-inch vertical. He was the 2025 Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year and a Second-Team AP All-American.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Miami Dolphins, who should consider selecting Chris Johnson in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft if he is available at the Dolphins' pick (No. 43 overall).

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who is a defensive backs specialist in his teaching and could help develop Chris Johnson.

Rasul Douglas

A veteran cornerback for the Miami Dolphins who is a free agent.

Jack Jones

A veteran cornerback for the Miami Dolphins who is a free agent.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Dolphins will have to decide whether to re-sign their veteran cornerbacks, Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones, or look to the draft to address the position. If Chris Johnson is available at pick No. 43, new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan should strongly consider selecting him.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' cornerback room is in need of an infusion of talent, and Chris Johnson's impressive combine performance has elevated him as a potential second-round target for the team. His combination of size, speed, and production in college make him an intriguing prospect who could step in and contribute immediately to Miami's secondary.