The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly eyeing a potential defensive cornerstone in the upcoming NFL Draft, setting their sights on San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson. A visit with the standout prospect signals serious interest as the team looks to bolster its secondary.
Johnson is coming off a phenomenal 2025 campaign where he was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and earned second-team All-American honors. His playmaking ability was on full display, snagging four interceptions and returning two of them for touchdowns, showcasing the game-changing speed that defensive coordinators covet.
His collegiate career has been marked by consistent excellence. With six career interceptions, an honorable mention all-conference nod in 2024, and recognition as San Diego State’s Outstanding Defensive Freshman in 2022, Johnson has proven he can be a disruptive force at every level.
For the Raiders, Johnson represents a player who could step into a starting role immediately as a rookie and develop into a long-term fixture in the defensive backfield. His blend of ball skills and athleticism fits the modern NFL's demand for dynamic, turnover-creating corners.
The big question is where he'll land on draft day. Projected as a potential late first-round pick, Johnson has garnered significant interest across the league. Holding the No. 36 overall selection in the second round, the Raiders face a strategic decision: they could attempt to trade up into the late first round to secure him or gamble that his talents will still be available when they're on the clock. One thing is clear—Chris Johnson is a name generating serious buzz in NFL war rooms.
