Miami Dolphins trade up, select cornerback Chris Johnson with No. 27 pick in 2026 NFL Draft

AFC EastBillsDolphinsJetsPatriotsAFC NorthBengalsBrownsRavensSteelersAFC SouthColtsJaguarsTexansTitansAFC WestBroncosChargersChiefsRaidersNFC EastCommandersCowboysEaglesGiantsNFC NorthBearsLionsPackersVikingsNFC SouthBuccaneersFalconsPanthersSaintsNFC West49ersCardinalsRamsSeahawksScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyNFL OddsNFL PicksNFL DraftPodcastsScoop City NewsletterNFL Draft UpdatesThe BeastConsensus RankingsTop 300 Rankings7-Round Draft Order2026 NFL Draft Johnson had more pick sixes than touchdowns allowed in 2025. Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Share articleThe Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Miami Dolphins traded up and selected San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson with the No. 27 pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday. He was the second corner taken. The Dolphins traded their Nos. 30 and 90 picks in exchange for the San Francisco 49ers’ Nos. 27 and 138 selections. Johnson was a three-star recruit and the No. 136 corner in the 2022 recruiting cycle. He was San Diego State’s Special Teams Player of the Year as a sophomore in 2023 and then became a full-time starter at corner in 2024. He was named honorable mention All-Mountain West that season, then took a significant leap as a senior in 2025. Johnson once again started every game this past season, had nine passes defended and four interceptions along with 49 tackles and three TFLs. He finished with more pick sixes (two) than touchdowns allowed (none). Johnson was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Mountain West. Johnson is competitive when the ball is in play and has a knack for creating turnovers. He had four interceptions in 2025 and three forced fumbles in 2024. He’s also willing to get physical in the run game. Those attributes are what led to Johnson being viewed as one of the top corners in this draft cycle. Johnson ranked No. 24 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide: “Johnson offers a combination of instinctive eyes and athletic movement skills that allow him to consistently make plays on the football. He should compete for a starting role on day one, while also making an impact on special teams.” Hyperaware with instinctive eyes; should compete for a starting role on day one. The Dolphins have a crater-like hole in the secondary and needed to grab a cornerback or safety. New coach Jeff Hafley saw his chance at a physical corner who has terrific ball skills, so they traded up to grab him. It’s strange to see the No. 2 cornerback in the draft going this late, but Johnson was a good value at this point. Johnson (6-foot, 193 pounds) broke up eight passes and picked off four last year for the Aztecs, bringing back two for touchdowns. He was named a second-team All-American and was the Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Grade: B Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms