MIAMI GARDENS ― The Miami Dolphins drafted cornerback Cam Smith with the 51st overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he would eventually take over as a starter.
It never happened.
Smith flashed outstanding agility, ball skills and instincts in the spring and summer of his rookie season.
But Smith lacked the maturity and durability required to make it in the NFL. Two year later, Smith was playing for the Columbus Aviators of the UFL.
Fast-forward to the 2026 NFL Draft. The Dolphins drafted cornerback Chris Johnson with the 27th overall pick, hoping he will be an immediate starter on a young, overhauled roster.
The Dolphins firmly believe Johnson, a former standout at San Diego State, has the maturity and the durability to make a positive impact in the NFL. And they also believe he’s ready to contribute in 2026.
It could be argued that aside from quarterback, no position is more important (yes, left tackle and edge rusher are key, too) than cornerback.
I’m here to tell you: No Dolphins rookie is more important than Chris Johnson in 2026.
Chris Johnson is Dolphins’ most important 2026 rookie
Johnson is one of 13 drafted rookies ― thirteen! ― scheduled to report to the Baptist Health Training Complex on Tuesday, July 21.
Yes, it’s important that Kadyn Proctor fulfill his promise as a rookie left guard.
Yes, it’s important that Jacob Rodriguez show glimpses of an impact middle linebacker.
But the Dolphins need Chris Johnson to perform well as a starting cornerback this season. He is expected to take over one of the starting roles vacated by departed veterans Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones.
Miami trusts Johnson to the extent the Dolphins plan to use him regularly both at outside cornerback and slot cornerback, moving inside on some or many third downs.
Miami has a tremendous cornerback history. Just think about Patrick Surtain-Sam Madison-Xavien Howard-Jalen Ramsey.
We will not mention Noah Igbinoghene, the Auburn cornerback selected 30th overall in 2020. Like Smith, Igbinoghene was a bust, an unfortunate wart on former GM Chris Grier’s resume.
The failure for Cam Smith and Noah Igbinoghene to live up to their draft statuses put pressure on the organization to plug holes with veterans.
Miami Dolphins have 13 rookies reporting to camp
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley believe Chris Johnson is going to capably plug this hole.
Johnson is fundamentally sound, quick to break on the ball and tough.
“This was one of my favorite guys in the draft,” Hafley said in April.
In June, Hafley cited Johnson’s maturity, instincts, intelligence, work ethic, athleticism and positive energy.
Thirteen drafted rookies reporting for duty. And none more important in 2026 than Chris Johnson.
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: Thirteen Dolphins draftees report; most important is CB Chris Johnson
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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By Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
