Dolphins trade up to No. 27, select San Diego State CB Chris Johnson

Miami bolsters secondary with late first-round trade-up.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Apr 242 min read

MIA

Miami DolphinsNFL

Miami bolsters secondary with late first-round trade-up. Video

What happened: The Miami Dolphins traded up to the 27th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting cornerback Chris Johnson from San Diego State. They acquired the pick from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for their No. 35 pick and a 2027 fourth-round selection. Johnson, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound defender, was projected as a mid-round talent.

Why it matters: This addresses Miami's secondary needs after a 9-8 2025 season marred by injuries to key corners, potentially elevating their pass defense ranking from 22nd. Late first-round CBs like this can become starters, shifting Dolphins' defensive toward better playoff contention. The trade-up signals aggressive roster building under GM Chris Grier.

By the numbers: {"draft_position": "27 overall", "trade_details": "Dolphins receive No. 27 from Saints for No. 35 + 2027 4th-rounder", "player_college_stats_2025": "45 tackles, 4 INTs, 42% completion rate allowed, 4.45 40-yard dash", "dolphins_2025_defense": "9-8 record, 22nd in pass yards allowed (225.3/game)"}

What to watch: Watch Johnson's OTAs and minicamp reps to gauge immediate fit in Miami's scheme.

Sources

@RapSheet Apr 23, 10:42 PM ET

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

NFLBreakingDolphinsChris Johnson

Follow NFL Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportNFL

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →

Dolphins trade up to No. 27, select San Diego State CB Chris Johnson

More on Chris Johnson

Sources

More on Chris Johnson