Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

New York Giants Draft Prospect Profile: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

Originally posted on New York Giants on SI
By Nick Falato | Last updated Apr 18, 2026 12:00 PM ET

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CB Chris Johnson

Height: 6’0 ¾”
Weight: 193 lbs
Class: Senior
School: San Diego State
Hands: 9 ⅞”
Arm length: 30 ⅝”
40-yard dash: 4.40s
10-Yard Split: 1.54s
Vertical Jump: 38”
Broad Jump: 10’6”
Bench Press: 17 reps
STATS

A former three-star recruit from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Corona, California, where he was the 154th recruit from his state and the 136th cornerback during the 2022 recruiting cycle.

Johnson was an elite defensive player in high school (shocker) but also was a great special teamer who blocked three kicks.

Chris Johnson played 1,732 snaps through his four seasons at San Diego State. He missed just eight tackles (5.4%) through his time in college, which is elite for a cornerback; he added 34 STOPs to that impressive run defense mark, while only allowing 41.9% of his targets to be completed in 2025.

He finished his college career with a 55.3% catch rate. Johnson was also good with his hands, keeping consistent with the overall discipline he exercises; he only had four penalties through his time in college.

Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images

Strengths

Good size with very good CB athletic traits
Solid recovery speed and burst
Disciplined feet/hips at the LOS
Very good feet/angles
Excellent closing burst when mid-pointing or click & close downward
Elite eyes: Good read, react, attack speed
Baits plays with excellent patience
Can play either man or zone at a high level
Anticipates well from off coverage
Excellent vision/concentration when ball is in the air
Hip pocket type of man coverage ability
Above average ball skills – gets his head around well
Has 2 pick sixes in his career
Eager and willing in run support
Gets physical with WRs when blocked
Four years of special teams’ experience – blocked a punt in 2024
His character is RAVED about

Weaknesses

Possesses a slender frame
Speedy receivers may get a step on him
May struggle with play strength against physical X receivers
Can get dragged a bit in run support if momentum isn’t built up into contact
Mostly played outside in college

Summary

Chris Johnson is a slender, scheme-versatile, outside cornerback with excellent recognition, anticipation, and above-average ball-skills.

He quickly restricts distance versus routes when off and is harassing enough – with plenty of discipline – to stick to receivers in press-man coverage. Johnson is a leader – one who is eager and willing in run support, albeit his frame prevents him from thriving as a run defender.

Overall, Johnson will be a good starting outside cornerback that allows the defensive coordinator to call a variety of coverages; Johnson will not struggle with any leverage/position outside at the next level.

GRADE: 6.62

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This article first appeared on New York Giants on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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