Chris Johnson Is Officially on Packers Draft Watch

In his senior season this past year, he proved to be one of the top cornerbacks in all of college football. He was a Second Team Associated Press All-American, Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and First Team All-Mountain West Conference. 

Johnson’s complete stat line for the 2025–26 season looked like this: four interceptions (tied for team lead), 49 tackles, three TFLs, one sack, nine PBUs, one forced fumble, and two pick-sixes. He also ranked ninth in the FBS with 1.17 passes defensed per game.

What Johnson Can Bring to the Packers

Johnson’s versatile skill set would give Green Bay the ability to move him inside or out, depending on the situation.

Lance Zierlein, an NFL analyst, also projects Johnson to be extremely versatile.

“Johnson stays disciplined. He trusts his footwork and technique to remain tight to the route. He attacks the catch point with run-through force and is a tenacious wrap-up tackler who can quickly end plays. Big receivers can steal some high points, but not enough to cause concern. Johnson’s coverage versatility, toughness, and athleticism should make him an early starter for a coverage-hungry team.”

Johnson’s Combine scoring backs these claims up. In Indianapolis this past February, he ranked first overall in the athleticism score category and ended with an overall score of 87, ranking fifth among all cornerbacks. 

Overall, this makes Johnson the exact kind of cornerback the Packers could target. 

Final Notes

With cornerback considered a need for the Packers, Chris Johnson stands out as a strong option in the upcoming draft. He is currently projected as a late first-round to early second-round pick.

Green Bay lacks a first-round pick, and their earliest selection is the 52nd pick. Therefore, unless Johnson falls further than expected, the Packers would likely have to trade up to select him.

Recently, the addition of Benjamin St-Juste on a two-year, $10 million deal added depth to the cornerback room, but the loss of Nate Hobbs after his release has also opened up a spot for someone to step in. 

His playmaking ability makes him a potential early contributor for a secondary seeking greater consistency.

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