The Miami Dolphins drafted Chris Johnson in the first round, and he is expected to take on a huge role in the secondary for the 2026 season.
The Miami Dolphins may have some sizable questions regarding their secondary, but they may have found a playmaker in San Diego State prospect Chris Johnson. Johnson was taken at No. 27 overall in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and the expectation is he will be a Day 1 starter.
Johnson joined "The Insiders" to discuss OTAs and minicamp, and how head coach Jeff Hafley and the Dolphins have been putting him to the test thus far by playing outside and slot cornerback.
"Yeah. I definitely say it was challenging at first just being able to handle, you know, the load of you know learning the new defense at both positions," Johnson said. "But now that we're making strides towards you know, towards training camp and stuff like that. I feel like it's all coming together and helping me understand the defense as a whole."
Johnson played in the left outside shutdown spot at San Diego State, and he could find himself playing in the same position for the Dolphins' defense. His position might also depend on the injuries and other factors, like development during training camp.
Despite the unknown, Johnson is taking it all in stride.
"So understanding what the corner is doing when I'm at nickel and understanding, you know, vice versa, just helping me be able to play faster, understand, you know, when and where I might have help, or there might be voids in the cover," Johnson said.
Having a cornerback that can readily switch positions will be huge for the Miami defense, and Hafley spoke plenty about having players who have versatility, which is what Johnson can offer.
Hafley is already high up on Johnson, as he praised the rookie during minicamp.
"I think he's done a really nice job. Um, he is very instinctual. He sees the game very fast. He works really hard in the meeting rooms. He's super athletic, has really good coverage ability. Um, he's been able to get his hand on the football and, um, we've asked him to do a lot and he's handled it very, very well ... We've thrown a lot on his plate and he's responded and I'm really excited to continue to coach him," Hafley said.
Hafley is a former defensive backs coach that transition into being a defensive coordinator, and now a head coach. It makes sense that he would see the talent from Johnson from a secondary perspective.
There is far more to consider should Johnson truly emerge as a Day 1 starter. He could end up becoming an anchor in the secondary that remains a presumed weakness in the defense.
Storm Duck and Darrell Baker Jr. are still nursing injuries, and Lonnie Johnson Jr. could end up being a solid pickup, but that remains to be seen just yet. Nothing substantial will also be determined until the pads come on and the coaching staff sees the roster in true action.
Still, should Miami hit on the Johnson pick, along with Kadyn Proctor, the presumed success of the draft will be known.
