MIAMI GARDENS ― The Miami Dolphins selected cornerback Chris Johnson of San Diego State with the 27th overall pick of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Miami moved up three spots to make sure they landed a projected starting cornerback.
The Dolphins landed a well-regarded player at a premium position in which they were desperate to add talent.
Johnson, 6-foot, 3/8 inches and 193 pounds, was the best-testing cornerback at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Here is our instant grade on the Dolphins picking Chris Johnson:
Dolphins’ draft grade for CB Chris Johnson: B+
Scouts say Chris Johnson is versatile, consistent and disciplined.
Johnson is said to have good footwork and technique. Though he is tough and athletic, scouts say he can have some problems with big receivers.
Johnson has the instincts and awareness to be a likely starter for the Dolphins as a rookie.
Johnson is a play-maker who will go after the football and is not afraid to try to create game-breakers.
Johnson’s coaches have said he has good character and makeup. A lack of competition against some of the biggest schools and players may be questioned by some.
This should be a popular pick from new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan.
This player was projected as a first-rounder and the Dolphins felt confident enough to move up for him.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins draft grade: Why Chris Johnson pick in first round is solid
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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