Dolphins GM explains decision to take CB late in Round 1 of NFL draft

After trading down and taking Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor at pick No. 12 in the first round, the Miami Dolphins were slated to make their next pick at No. 30, which they received from the Jaylen Waddle trade.

However, Miami decided to move up in a deal with the San Francisco 49ers to take San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson.

Johnson was projected to be a Day-2 selection, but Miami felt the need to go up and get him. After the pick, new Dolphins general manager shared what it was about Johnson that made him want to bring him in.

"When you watch Chris, he's got great feet, great balance and body control," Sullivan said. "He's physical, he's a big corner, he can play nickel, play outside corner. He's got ball skills. I mean, when you start checking the boxes for a defensive back, there weren't really many left. There were none really. He'll tackle, he's, again, physical. He's just got, and he's got upside, he's 21 years old. He's a good kid; he handles his business. He works. He wants to be a good player. He's about the right stuff. He's the kind of guy that we want to infuse into this locker room, as is Proctor. Those guys are- football is important to them. And they both have edge, they have edge to them. They both, in a good way, reek of confidence, not arrogance, but confidence. They think they're players. And all those things were important to us as we build this thing out."

Miami signed a few veteran cornerbacks in free agency, but none of them are true shut-down defenders. The Dolphins are hoping that Johnson can be that for them as he develops.

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This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: NFL draft: Dolphins GM explains decision to take CB Chris Johnson