New England Patriots Mocked to Draft San Diego State CB Chris Johnson at 31st Overall

POLICY WIRE — Boston, Massachusetts — The upcoming NFL Draft could see the New England Patriots make an unconventional selection, potentially choosing a cornerback with their 31st overall pick, a...

Editorial Desk

April 23, 2026 2 Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Boston, Massachusetts — The upcoming NFL Draft could see the New England Patriots make an unconventional selection, potentially choosing a cornerback with their 31st overall pick, a move that has surprised many draft analysts.

While expert predictions have frequently linked the Patriots to offensive linemen or edge rushers in the first round, NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently proposed an alternative. In his latest mock draft, Jeremiah projected New England to acquire Chris Johnson, a standout cornerback from San Diego State University.

Strategic Secondary Reinforcement

Jeremiah highlighted the Patriots’ strong position to prioritize the top talent available. He noted, “The Patriots can afford to take the best prospect available here.” This assessment comes despite the team already having established talent in their cornerback group.

“They have quality players at cornerback, but they’re going to have to pay Christian Gonzalez (rookie deal expires after 2027 season) and they’re already paying Carlton Davis III. Johnson gives them a younger, cheaper option to eventually replace Davis, and this San Diego State product is versatile enough to line up at multiple spots in the secondary, perhaps even at safety.”

The strategic rationale behind drafting Johnson revolves around securing a “younger, cheaper option” to eventually step into the role currently held by Carlton Davis III. This foresight is critical given the impending contract renewal for promising defensive back Christian Gonzalez after the 2027 season.

Chris Johnson’s Collegiate Performance

During his senior year at San Diego State, Johnson showcased significant defensive prowess. He concluded the season with an impressive 48 tackles, eight pass defenses, four interceptions, one sack, and one forced fumble, demonstrating his impact across multiple facets of secondary play.

Johnson spent his entire four-year collegiate career at SDSU, where he consistently performed as a formidable shutdown cornerback. His versatility is a key asset, allowing him to potentially adapt to various positions within the defensive secondary, including safety.

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, where teams will finalize their strategic player acquisitions. Despite the current contractual commitments to Gonzalez and Davis, selecting a cornerback like Johnson at 31st overall underscores a long-term vision for the Patriots’ defense.

For more insights into the upcoming draft, consider exploring strategic team needs. Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft: Strategic Needs, Top Prospects, and Full Pick Allocations.