Jaguars Explore Top Cornerback Prospect Ahead of Draft

Jacksonville scouts meet virtually with San Diego State's Chris Johnson, a potential first-round pick.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action of the game.The Jaguars' virtual meeting with top cornerback prospect Chris Johnson suggests the team is leaving no stone unturned in its pre-draft preparations.Today in Jacksonville

With the 2026 NFL Draft just over a week away, the Jacksonville Jaguars are leaving no stone unturned in their pre-draft preparations. The team has reportedly held a virtual meeting with San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, who is considered one of the top prospects at the position and could be a late first-round selection.

Why it matters

The Jaguars already have a strong secondary, led by cornerback Travis Hunter, but adding a talent like Johnson could take their defensive backfield to new heights. Even though the Jaguars hold the 56th overall pick, which is likely too late to select Johnson, the meeting suggests they are doing their due diligence on the top cornerback prospects.

The details

Johnson, a second-team All-American, is projected to be one of the first cornerbacks off the board in the upcoming draft. The Jaguars' virtual meeting with him is part of their extensive pre-draft process, as the team looks to continue building a roster that can compete for a playoff spot in the AFC South.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Chris Johnson

A second-team All-American cornerback from San Diego State University who is considered a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Liam Coen

The head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Anthony Campanile

The defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Travis Hunter

The Jaguars' starting cornerback, who will lead the team's secondary.

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What they’re saying

“San Diego State @AztecFB second-team All-American corner Chris Johnson, a potential first-round draft pick, has #Jets #Raiers visits, per league source. Zoomed with multiple #NFL teams including #Packers #Buccaneers #Cowboys #Jaguars. Upcoming virtual meeting with #Chiefs day…”

— Aaron Wilson, Reporter, KPRC2 Houston

What’s next

The Jaguars will continue their pre-draft preparations, including further meetings and evaluations of top prospects like Chris Johnson, ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 24-26.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' virtual meeting with Chris Johnson, one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2026 draft, highlights the team's thorough approach to the pre-draft process. Even though Johnson may be out of reach with the 56th overall pick, the Jaguars are leaving no stone unturned as they look to continue building a playoff-caliber roster.