Even though cornerback is no longer a pressing need for the Jacksonville Jaguars after bringing back Montaric Brown on a three-year deal worth $31.5 million, they could still add reinforcements at the position in the NFL Draft. Sure, the interior defensive line and the pass rusher are bigger priorities, but the team's brass could take care of either one at No. 56 and still add a corner with one of their three selections in Round 3.
But if Jacksonville wants to go corner in the second round, Chris Johnson may be the best one available. The issue is that the Green Bay Packers are zeroing in on him, and based on a new big board, it's possible that they could swoop in and take him at No. 52.
The Packers are monitoring Jaguars draft target Chris Johnson
Fansided put together a top 50 big board ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, and Chris Johnson ranks 34th. On top of that, he's the top No. 1 target for Green Bay. Here's what Freddie Boston of Lombardi Ave., Fansided's site dedicated to covering the Packers, had to say about the former San Diego State Aztec.
"Chris Johnson has everything the Packers look for, and they desperately need reinforcements at cornerback," Boston wrote. "Johnson offers the size, athleticism, and proven college production that Brian Gutekunst covets. Johnson is a ball-hawk, having intercepted four passes in his final season at San Diego State, and the Packers love prospects who receive a Senior Bowl invite. The only question is whether he falls to No. 52."
Just recently, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reported that Jacskonville met with Johnson. However, Green Bay has been connected to him dating back to the Senior Bowl. This means that the Jaguars may need to trade up and get ahead of Green Bay if they're interested in taking Johnson.
This begs the question: Why would Jacksonville want to draft Johnson? The answer is simple. Mike Luciano of Fansided argues that his tackling isn't his forte, but he's arguably the best pure cover corner in this year's class.
And tha'ts the thing, Johnson can play man or zone. Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile would love to have that kind of flexibility at the position. While he could be a late first-round pick, there's a chance he'll slide to Round 2. If he does, he could end up giving Jacksonville a tough decision.
The Jaguars could end up passing on Chris Johnson
There's no doubt that Chris Johnson could help the Jaguars. Heck, nobody would bat an eye if he were a Week 1 starter or had a featured role as a rookie. But even if the Packers pass on him, Jacksonville could also go a different route in the second round.
The fact that this isn't a great year to draft a defensive tackle may prompt the Jags to address the position with the 56th. Similarly, Jacob Rodriguez or Anthony Hill Jr. may still be available when Jacksonville is on the board. If the team's brass wants to bolster the linebacker corps, either Rodriguez or Hill could compete for a starting job right off the bat.
There's also the fact that the Jags need a pass rusher to round out their rotation behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. They could certainly take one at No. 56.
The bottom line is that the Jaguars would love to see Chris Johnson fall into their lap, but they'll have other paths in case the Packers
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