The Green Bay Packers still need to address the cornerback position this offseason despite bringing in Benjamin St-Juste and tendering Kamal Hadden. Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine are both entering contract years and are slated to hit free agency next offseason. Valentine is in danger of losing the starting job to St-Juste after struggling with tackling throughout his career and dropping three interceptions last season. Meanwhile, Hadden is hoping to return for mandatory minicamp while recovering from a broken right tibia and fibula sustained in December.
Green Bay Packers met with a rising G5 cornerback
Houston Texans, Chris Johnson
Oct 5, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) defends against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during the third quarter at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images
In an interview with Justin Melo ofSports Illustrated, San Diego State’s standout cornerback Chris Johnson confirmed he recently met with the Packers via Zoom. Johnson is a rising prospect at the position and a potential high second-round pick despite playing for a G5 (Group of Five) school rather than a P4 (Power Four) program. He is very athletic, scoring a near-perfect 9.82 Relative Athletic Score at 6-foot, 194 pounds, excels in zone coverage while capable of playing man, is a physical and willing tackler, and is a solid run defender.
If available, the Packers might take Johnson with the 52nd pick, fitting the boxes at size, athleticism, tackling, and zone coverage skills.
.@AztecFB CB Chris Johnson is a clean evaluation in the NFL Draft. Athletic prospect with man-zone coverage flexibility.
Ran a 4.44, jumped a 38″ vertical & 10’6″ broad jump 👀🔥
👉 @Chris1Johnson_ joins NFL Draft On SI for a pre-draft conversation:https://t.co/41muD7J4w5
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 6, 2026
Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign
San Diego State Aztecs, Chris Johnson
Oct 5, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) warms up against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during pregame at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images
Chris Johnson enjoyed a breakout senior campaign, setting career highs in tackles for loss, interceptions, and pass breakups, earning Mountain West co-Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-MWC, and Second-Team All-American honors. Johnson recorded 49 tackles, three TFLs, one sack, four interceptions, two pick-sixes, nine pass deflections, and one forced fumble across 11 games. He posted a 5.6% missed tackle rate and allowed a 42% completion rate, 185 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and a staggering 16.1 passer rating.
Johnson wrapped up his four-year tenure at San Diego State, totaling 152 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, one sack, six interceptions, two pick-sixes, 14 pass breakups, and five forced fumbles through 47 games and 23 starts.
“Scheme-versatile cornerback prospect with average size and the ability to play inside or outside. Johnson is consistent in mirroring the release from his pedal and rarely labors when transitioning with route breaks. 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.”
He projects to become a plus starter.