Why Dolphins' Chris Johnson is a 'fun' pick according to Mel Kiper

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Why Dolphins' Chris Johnson is a 'fun' pick according to Mel Kiper originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Dolphins made two selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, swinging trades to get into the picks at No. 12 and No. 27 overall.

The latter of the two, a move up from No. 30 with the San Francisco 49ers, brought in San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson. He's an intriguing pickup and shares the same name as the legendary speedy Tennessee Titans running back.

In ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.'s opinion, this was a "fun" pick for the Dolphins in Round 1. Why? The Dolphins, in major need of secondary help, are getting a ball hawk for their secondary.

Why Chris Johnson is a 'fun' pick for Miami​

"The Dolphins-Chris Johnson match is fun. The Miami cornerback room was barren, and Johnson is a ball hawk," Kiper writes.

Miami desperately needed defensive back help entering the NFL Draft, and had a few clear needs outside of that along the offensive line and at wide receiver.

With Kadyn Proctor being the pick at No. 12 overall, and a deep WR class allowing Miami to wait a bit, they land one of the top cornerbacks in Johnson near the end of the first round.

More: Dolphins have 36.7% chance for Malik Willis signing to work out

From 2023 through 2025, Johnson had six interceptions in college to go with 16 pass breakups. He's able to generate turnovers and is a solid cornerback.

Jeff Hafley, the new head coach, will also lead the defense. He gets a new top cornerback in Round 1, and it's a "fun" pick for Miami's secondary that will start Johnson right away.

The Dolphins began their draft by swinging a few trades and adding a premier talent in Proctor along the OL. But, the most fun pick was the Johnson selection, a new ball hawk for the secondary after years of struggles since trading Jalen Ramsey.

More Dolphins news:​

• Dolphins trade Minkah Fitzpatrick to Jets for late round pick
• Dolphins most overpaid player is Zach Seiler
• Dolphins linked to Stefon Diggs as possible Jaylen Waddle replacement

Continue reading...