ChrisJohnson

Johnson is a versatile, playmaking corner with the skill set to be a day-one impact defender. A two-year starter for the Aztecs, he tallied 116 combined tackles with five picks (two for touchdowns), 13 passes defensed, and four forced fumbles over the past two seasons compared to just one touchdown surrendered in coverage in that time, per PFF. Johnson is comfortable in both press and off looks, and though he primarily lines up outside he saw some snaps over the slot as well. He plays from a low, balanced stance and shows fluidity to cover in half-turn technique or run in bump-and-run coverage, flipping his hips to stay in phase on the outside. He’s sticky in man coverage, but when he does give up space downfield he shows excellent make-up speed to close the gap on the receiver. He displays excellent anticipation skills, keying in on the quarterback’s eyes to jump into pass lanes. He shows a good understanding of spacing, splitting the difference between receivers in his zone while giving himself a chance to make a play on either; he almost baits opposing quarterbacks before jumping routes. He’s quick to click-and-close on an underneath route and brings the length and physical nature to disrupt the catch point. He attacks blocks and works hard to get free to make the tackle, and he’s not afraid to come downhill and lay a hit. He missed just three tackles in 2025. 

There were times Johnson’s transition from backpedal to trailing position looked a little clunky. He can be beaten by double moves. He’s a drag-down tackler more than a pure hitter. He faced a lower level of competition in the Mountain West.