Under-the-Radar CB Could Be Surprise 1st-Round NFL Draft Pick

San Diego State's Chris Johnson is gaining steam as a potential late Round 1 selection.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:43am

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A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting a cornerback leaping to intercept a pass, the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.A cubist interpretation of a standout cornerback's playmaking ability, hinting at the under-the-radar prospect's potential to surprise in the first round of the NFL Draft.San Diego Today

San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson is an under-the-radar prospect who could sneak into the back half of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite not being a household name like some other top cornerback prospects, Johnson had a standout senior season, earning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors after recording 48 tackles, 14 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, and a forced fumble.

Why it matters

The 2026 NFL Draft class is loaded with talent at wide receiver, offensive line, and edge rusher, but lacks elite first-round prospects at cornerback. Johnson could be a surprise pick for teams picking late in Round 1 who are looking to add a physical, ball-hawking cornerback to their secondary.

The details

Johnson, who ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the combine, has the size, speed, and playmaking ability that NFL teams covet in a cornerback. He allowed just 185 yards receiving, a 41.9% completion percentage, and zero touchdowns in coverage last season, per Pro Football Focus. Over his 4-year college career, he recorded 6 interceptions and 5 forced fumbles.

  • Johnson was named the 2025 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.
  • At the 2026 NFL Combine, Johnson ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash.

The players

Chris Johnson

A cornerback from San Diego State University who is an under-the-radar prospect gaining steam as a potential late first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

JP Acosta

A CBS Sports writer who believes Johnson could sneak into the back half of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“'A player whose name has gained a lot of steam over the last few weeks is San Diego State's Chris Johnson. He has the required length and demeanor to match up on the outside in zone coverage and plays physically enough to be a factor in run defense as well.'”

— JP Acosta, CBS Sports Writer

“'Add in a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the combine, and that screams first-round corner. For teams picking at the back end of Round 1 like Miami, Kansas City and Seattle, he fits what they look for in a cornerback. With Avieon Terrell's 40-yard dash potentially dropping him, Johnson could be the beneficiary and find himself in Round 1.'”

— JP Acosta, CBS Sports Writer

What’s next

Johnson will look to solidify his status as a first-round pick during San Diego State's pro day and in private team workouts leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

While the 2026 NFL Draft class is deep at several positions, cornerback is a position of need for many teams. Chris Johnson's combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability could make him a surprise first-round selection, especially for teams picking late in the round who are looking to add a physical, ball-hawking defensive back to their secondary.