The Miami Dolphins spent the offseason reshaping a roster that stalled when the games mattered most. The Dolphins have not won a playoff game since the 2000 season. The pressure around the franchise keeps building.
That is why the rookie minicamp carried extra weight this weekend. Early expectations already surround first-round cornerback Chris Johnson, but the San Diego State product made it clear he is not looking beyond the next practice.
Chris Johnson Says He Must ‘Earn Everybody’s Respect’ Before Week 1
Houston Texans, Chris Johnson
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Johnson spoke to mounting pressures to be able to step right in and contribute to the Dolphins in Week One. The Dolphins moved up in the draft order to take the cornerback at No. 27 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft following a secondary overhaul during the offseason.
The rookie downplayed outside hype. He stressed that his focus remains on earning trust inside the building first.
“I can’t skip ahead to Week 1. I’m brand new here, I’m a rookie. I gotta earn everybody’s respect the same as if I was undrafted. I want the Dolphins to remember me as a great player.”
Chris Johnson is focused on the process despite expectations he'll start week 1:
"I can't skip ahead to week 1. I'm brand new here, I'm a rookie. I gotta earn everybody's respect the same as if I was undrafted.
I want the Dolphins to remember me as a great player."#PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/HC0UEALjav
— The List – Dolphins Podcast (@TheListFinsPod) May 10, 2026
The Dolphins’ defense enters a transition year under head coach Jeff Hafley. They lost multiple contributors in the secondary during free agency. Johnson now walks into a depth chart that lacks proven answers on the outside.
The organization believes he can handle that pressure. Draft analysts praised Johnson throughout the pre-draft process. Draft coverage highlighted his ability to play both man and zone coverage. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. pointed to his discipline at the catch point after the Dolphins selected.
Johnson finished his college career with six interceptions at San Diego State. Two of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns. The 6-foot-1 DB also posted elite testing numbers during the NFL Scouting.
The Dolphins’ rookie class carries unusual importance because of the franchise’s broader reset under general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. First-round tackle Kadyn Proctor and Johnson are expected to become foundational pieces quickly, even if both players continue preaching patience publicly.
That does not mean expectations will disappear once training camp opens in July. The Dolphins moved up three spots to secure Johnson. The Dolphins need immediate production from the rookie if they plan to compete in a loaded AFC East.
Johnson’s approach remains simple. Earn respect first, and worry about Week One later.