San Diego State has not had a participant chosen within the NFL draft the previous three years, this system’s longest draft drought over the previous six a long time.
That is expected to change — maybe as quickly as Thursday night time, when the primary spherical of the 2026 NFL draft is carried out in Pittsburgh.
SDSU cornerback Chris Johnson is projected as a first-or second-round choose.
“I’m excited,” Johnson stated earlier than an on-campus exercise earlier this week. “I’m excited about the opportunities, just being able to play more ball on that elite level.”
Union-Tribune draft skilled Eddie Brown ranks Johnson because the third-best cornerback within the draft, and tasks that he’ll go thirty second general to the Seattle Seahawks.
NFL.com’s mock draft lists Johnson because the fourth cornerback chosen within the first spherical, going to the Dallas Cowboys with the twenty fourth general choose (after buying and selling down with Cleveland). ESPN’s mock has Johnson going to Kansas City with the twenty ninth choose.
If he’s chosen on the primary day, Johnson can be the eleventh first-round choose in program historical past and the primary since 2018, when the Seattle Seahawks took working again Rashaad Penny with the twenty seventh general choose.
Johnson shared Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors final season. He improved his draft inventory with a standout effort in February on the NFL mix, highlighted by a 4.40-second time within the 40-yard sprint.
The three-day draft begins with Thursday’s first spherical at 5 p.m. (ABC/ESPN). Rounds 2 and three are Friday, with the ultimate 4 rounds on Saturday.
The overview of Johnson on NFL.com credit him for having the ability to play inside or exterior and says, “While many college corners lean on lax officiating to grab and maul, Johnson stays disciplined. He trusts his footwork and technique to remain tight to the route. He attacks the catch point with run-through force and is a tenacious wrap-up tackler who can quickly end plays. Big receivers can steal some high-points, but not enough to cause concern. Johnson’s coverage versatility, toughness and athleticism should make him an early starter for a coverage-hungry team.”
Brown referred to as Johnson “a smooth, instinctive outside corner who pairs sticky coverage with real ball production.”
SDSU teammates who could possibly be late-round picks embody offensive deal with Christian Jones, cornerback Bryce Phillips and security Eric Butler. If they aren’t chosen, the gamers are definitely candidates to signal as most popular free brokers. Former Aztecs middle Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli, edge Niles King and kicker Gabe Plascencia are amongst different potential free-agent signings.
