High instincts define this Cowboys CB draft target

The Dallas Cowboys have some challenges ahead of them at the cornerback position. While free agent addition Cobie Durant provides some help, the draft is the only place to find a true long-term solution for countering the high-octane passing attack of today’s NFL. Looking to add some pieces to this puzzle, the front office is scouting the West Coast for an ascending playmaker who has seen a booming uptick in stock price.

CB, Chris Johnson, San Diego State

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 193 pounds | Speed: 4.4 forty time

Background

Johnson’s path to the draft is a testament to the old school grind and pure perseverance. During his first two years at San Diego State, he was not the headline act. Instead, he was paying his dues by flying down the field on special teams and waiting for his moment. He spent that time sharpening his tools in the shadows until he finally earned his starting spot and turned the Mountain West into his personal playground.

His senior season was nothing short of historic, featuring shutdown metrics that made opposing quarterbacks look like they were throwing into a black hole. Across 634 defensive snaps in 2025, he was targeted 43 times but allowed zero touchdowns and only 18 completions. He capped off his college career with four interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns.

Strengths

The most immediate thing you notice about Johnson is his elite speed, which allows him to stay attached to the hip of any receiver he faces. He moves with a level of fluidity that suggests his hips are on ball bearings, making transitions look effortless even when the route is complex. This natural movement is paired with a predatory ball-hawking ability that makes him a constant threat to change the game. He does not just want to break up the pass. He wants to own it. If a quarterback makes a mistake, Johnson is usually the one making them pay for it on the scoreboard.

His athleticism is not just for show, as it translates into a rare level of versatility that allows him to excel both on the outside and in the slot. He shows a high level of comfort in zone coverage, displaying the processing ability to read the quarterback and jump passing lanes with perfect timing. This mental sharpness allows him to stay ahead of the play, often arriving at the catch point at the exact same time as the football. Whether he is dropping deep or squeezing a route in the middle of the field, his presence is always felt by the opposing offense.

Weaknesses

If there is a knock on Johnson’s game, it comes down to his overall physicality when things get dirty. He can sometimes struggle against larger receivers who use their frame to box him out at the line of scrimmage or at the catch point. NFL scouts are curious to see how his game translates to the professional level, as he has not consistently faced the same caliber of elite competition that players in the bigger conferences see every Saturday. He will need to prove that his shutdown numbers were a result of his own skill rather than a lack of surrounding talent.

The Fit

Johnson is the prototype defensive back for Christian Parker’s vision in Dallas. His elite instincts allow him to anticipate breaks before they happen, while his panoramic vision ensures he never loses sight of the quarterback’s intentions. When the ball is in the air, his sudden burst allows him to close gaps in a heartbeat, perfectly matching the aggressive, reactive style Parker demands. This combination of processing speed and explosive movement makes him a natural fit for a Cowboys secondary that prizes defenders who can see the play and finish it with authority.

The Final Word

Currently projected as an early second-round pick with first-round upside, Johnson is a classic dark horse candidate who could be a steal for the Cowboys, especially if they work some type of trade back situation. He fits the mold of a fast, opportunistic defender who can bolster a secondary that is always a day late and a dollar short. If you are looking for a player who has spent years perfecting his craft and now possesses the elite traits to shadow pro receivers, Johnson is a savvy investment. He is a special teams ace turned shutdown corner who brings game-breaking speed and a knack for the end zone to a team that is desperate for the big play.