The Jacksonville Jaguars checked off a massive box when they re-signed cornerback Montaric Brown. With Brown back in the fold, cornerback is no longer one of the team's top priorities, but that shouldn't stop the team from adding reinforcements at the position in the NFL Draft.
Granted, the Jags may want to focus on addressing the interior defensive line and the pass rush in Round 2 — they don't have a first after the Travis Hunter trade — but they shouldn't hesitate to go corner if the perfect prospect is available at No. 56, which is precisely what happens in Sports Illustrated's latest mock draft.
The Jaguars take Chris Johnson in Sports Illustrated's latest mock draft
Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated did a mock draft after free agency and had the Jaguars taking Chris Johnson at No. 56, arguing that they need depth at corner even after signing Montaric Brown. Couple that with the fact that the former San Diego State standout possesses the flexibility to line up inside or outside, and he would be a fit in Jacksonville. Here's the skinny.
"The Jacksonville Jaguars need more depth at cornerback despite re-signing Montaric Brown," Melo wrote. "San Diego State's Chris Johnson would be a terrific option to have a boundary corner. Johnson is a sticky coverage player who can thrive in any scheme."
Aside from position versatility, Johnson can play man or zone with the Jags. At 6'0" and 193 pounds, he has the size and speed to hold his own in the boundaries and could allow Travis Hunter, who's slated to play defense full-time in 2026, to get off the field to stay fresh throughout the game.
Granted, Johnson needs to work on jamming technique and must refining his timing when jumping for the football. Neverthless, he could develop into a productive starter under Matthieu Araujo's guidance if Jacksonville drafted him.
Currently, Johnson is projected to go in the third round, but is seen as a potential starter or high-end backup. This is why nobody would bat an eye if he's taken in the second.
Why it would make sense for the Jaguars to draft Chris Johnson
There's no doubt that Chris Johnson would give the Jaguars an intriguing talent at cornerback. On the other hand, the Jags may want to take care of the interior defensive line or the pass rush in Round 2.
Maybe if the Jags traded for defensive tackle Jalen Carter and managed to keep their second round, taking Johnson or any other cornerback prospect in Round 2 would make more sense. But if the team's brass doesn't add reinforcements at defensive tackle or the pass rush before the draft, the team's brass may wait until Round 3 to add a corner.
Heck, Jacksonville could also use depth at linebacker, safety, and the offensive line, so it's not a given that the front office will take a corner on Day 2. Then again, if Johnson is still on the board in Round 2, he could give the Jags a tough decision.
After bringing Montaric Brown back, the Jaguars have ample flexibility to navigate the draft. What route they ultimately take remains to be seen, but Chris Johnson most definitely deserves consideration.