Is San Diego State CB Chris Johnson a Name to Watch for the Chargers?

With former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Benjamin St-Juste heading to the Green Bay Packers on a two-year, $10 million deal with $3 million guaranteed, the Bolts could be in the market for reinforcements in the secondary and may look to address the need on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

That said, San Diego State CB Chris Johnson would make plenty of sense as a target, though Los Angeles may need to move up from pick No. 55 to land him if they don’t take him with the 22nd pick.

The 21-year-old Eastvale, CA native spent all four years of his college career with the Aztecs, earning MW Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-Mountain West honors and Second-Team Associated Press All-American in 2025 after posting 48 total tackles (34 solo), eight passes broken up, one sack, one forced fumble, four interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns—tied for ninth in the FBS with 1.17 passes defensed per game.

Johnson earned an overall grade of 91.6 from Pro Football Focus this past season, ranking second among 897 qualifying cornerbacks. His coverage grade of 92.4 ranked third, while his run-defense grade of 67.1 ranked 481st at the position. He allowed a 16.1 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks, surrendering just 18 receptions in coverage.

He finished his college career with 148 total tackles (104 solo), 11 passes broken up, one sack, five forced fumbles, six interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.

Johnson participated at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, where he measured at six-feet, 193 pounds with 30 5/8" inch arms and 9 7/8" inch hands. He posted a 4.40-second 40-yard dash, 1.54-second 10-yard split, 38" vertical jump, a 10-foot-six broad jump and 17 bench press reps.

According to Next Gen Stats, his performance earned a total score of 80, which ranked fifth among cornerbacks. His production score of 70 ranked 14th, while his estimated athleticism score of 87 ranked first at the position.

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein gave Johnson a pro comparison to Minnesota Vikings CB and former second-round pick Byron Murphy Jr.. He provides a versatile skill set with the ability to line up both inside and outside, showing discipline and control in coverage while reacting quickly without overcommitting. At the catch point, he’s aggressive with strong timing, limiting separation downfield. He also brings a physical presence against the run, taking on blocks and finishing tackles with authority, making him a well-rounded and dependable option for the Chargers.