Green Bay Packers Reportedly Eyeing Ballhawking CB In 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and front offices are heavily finalizing their draft boards. For the Green Bay Packers, upgrading the secondary remains a critical priority following some key departures during the free agency period. Recent reports indicate the organization is expressing significant interest in San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, having already conducted formal interviews with the promising defender.

Green Bay Packers Interested In San Diego State Star

Johnson firmly established himself as a premier defender during his productive tenure at San Diego State. Over 47 collegiate games, including 23 starts, he consistently disrupted opposing passing attacks and displayed a natural nose for the football.

His collegiate stat sheet speaks for itself. Johnson recorded 152 total tackles, forced five fumbles, deflected 20 passes, and intercepted six passes. He even showcased his playmaking ability by returning two of those interceptions for defensive touchdowns, which led the nation last season.

Beyond raw statistics, evaluators praise his highly technical footwork and positional versatility. He comfortably lines up both inside the slot and outside on the boundary. Pro Football Focus awarded him a massive 91.6 overall grade, ranking him second among 897 graded cornerbacks in the nation. Furthermore, his 92.4 coverage grade highlights his elite ability to mirror receivers and consistently contest catches.

Standing Out at the NFL Scouting Combine

Collegiate production only tells part of the story for NFL prospects. Front offices also heavily weigh athletic testing, and Johnson certainly delivered when he arrived at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

He clocked a blazing 4.4-second 40-yard dash, proving he possesses the necessary long speed to track professional wide receivers deep down the field. He also posted a 38-inch vertical jump, showcasing the sudden explosiveness needed to win physical jump balls against taller offensive targets.

Elite Athletic Comparisons

These impressive metrics translated to a spectacular 9.83 Relative Athletic Score (RAS). For context, this elite rating closely mirrors the athletic profile of star cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who posted a 9.96 RAS when he entered the league. Draft analysts widely view Johnson as a prospect equipped with the premium physical tools to develop into a high-level NFL starter.

Fitting Into the Packers’ Defensive Scheme

Green Bay faces a distinct need at the cornerback position. After allowing Trevon Diggs to leave in free agency and releasing Nate Hobbs, the secondary requires an immediate injection of talent. While the front office signed veteran Benjamin St-Juste to help steady the room, adding a young, dynamic talent like Johnson offers a sustainable, long-term solution.

Currently, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine project as the starters on the boundary. Johnson’s natural toughness, aggressive tackling, and refined coverage instincts would allow him to immediately push for a starting role during training camp. His extensive background in both man and zone coverages makes him a seamless, plug-and-play fit for Green Bay’s defensive system.

Navigating the Draft Board

Acquiring Johnson will require strategic maneuvering on draft night. Due to a previous trade for edge rusher Micah Parsons, the Packers currently lack a first-round pick this year. Their first selection sits at No. 52 overall in the second round.

Draft experts suggest Johnson could hear his name called earlier, likely in the 30-40 range. If Green Bay truly views him as a cornerstone piece for the secondary, the general manager may need to package picks and trade up to secure his signature.

The Green Bay Packers are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to rebuild their secondary. Chris Johnson brings a rare combination of elite collegiate production, top-tier athleticism, and tactical versatility. As draft weekend approaches, fans should keep a close eye on this San Diego State standout as a potential anchor for the future of the Green Bay defense.