Jets host All-American cornerback on Top 30 pre-draft visit

The New York Jets are hosting San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson on a Top 30 pre-draft visit, according to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.

It's the first reported visit for a cornerback the Jets have had so far throughout the pre-draft process, and a good one at that. Johnson was Pro Football Focus's second-highest graded corner out of 897 qualified players in 2025.

The Aztec defensive back broke up five passes, hauled in four interceptions, and allowed only 18 receptions in coverage. When targeted, he gave up a 16.1 passer rating.

While the Jets may seem to have plenty of depth at cornerback, not many of them are proven talents, especially after trading away Sauce Gardner at last year's trade deadline.

Jets need a star at cornerback, Chris Johnson could be that guy

New York has servicable cornerbacks. Brandon Stephens, despite being maligned at signing last offseason, was solid for the Jets in 2025. That doesn't change the fact that he's a bit pricey, though.

Stephens is entering year two of a three-year $36 million contract, and after this season, the Jets could cut him and save $8 million in salary. If his play drops off this year, it's reasonable to assume the team would move on.

The Jets drafted Azareye'h Thomas in the third round last year, and while he showed flashes of solid play, he can't be counted on to be a Week 1 starter. A neck injury down the stretch of last season cost him valuable development time.

The big free agent addition this year was Nahshon Wright, who is coming off a career year with the Chicago Bears. After four up-and-down years between the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings, Wright was a Pro Bowler with Chicago in 2025.

The 99th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft started a career-high 16 games, breaking up 11 passes, intercepting five passes, and forcing three fumbles. His nose for the football is something New York lacked last season.

Because of the small sample size, Wright only inked a one-year deal this offseason. There's no guarantee he becomes a long-term piece of the Jets' cornerback room. Enter Johnson.

New York could target him with one of their two second-round picks, more likely No. 44. He would have a chance in training camp to compete with the likes of Thomas and Wright for the starting cornerback spot opposite Stephens.

Even if he doesn't get the starting nod in 2026, Johnson could have the chance to be a staple of the Jets' secondary for years to come.

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