Dolphins trade up to take CB Chris Johnson with their second pick in first round

David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel on Apr 23, 2026

Published in Football

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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — After the big offensive lineman came the cover corner pick for the Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins selected San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson with their second first-round pick of the NFL draft Thursday night after securing Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor first.

Like with the Proctor pick, which involved Miami moving back a spot to take the mammoth blocker at No. 12, new Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan made a trade involving the pick.

Sullivan traded up from his pick at No. 30, which was originally acquired via the Broncos in the deal that sent wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to Denver, with the San Francisco 49ers to pick Johnson at No. 27.

Johnson, who is 6 feet, 193 pounds, was a second-team All-American last season at San Diego State and was the co-Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year. He had four interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns, adding 49 tackles, a sack and nine pass breakups.

In 2024, Johnson had 67 tackles with three forced fumbles, an interception and four pass breakups.

Johnson possesses blazing speed, running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in February.

Analysts say Johnson is capable of mirroring receivers in coverage. He is touted for his footwork and technique and is also a secure tackler, but taller receivers can high-point the ball against him.

Johnson is said to be scheme-versatile and can play either on the boundary or as a nickel covering the slot.

In trading with San Francisco, Miami sent one of its four third-round selections, No. 90 overall, to the 49ers and acquired a compensatory fourth-rounder, No. 138.