Green Bay Packers Loom as Potential Threat to Jacksonville Jaguars’ Draft Plans for CB Chris Johnson

The Jacksonville Jaguars may face a difficult decision in the 2026 NFL Draft as one of their reported cornerback targets, San Diego State standout Chris Johnson, continues to draw strong interest from multiple teams—including the Green Bay Packers.

According to recent draft analysis and team-level reporting, the Packers are increasingly viewed as a serious contender to select Johnson late in the first or early in the second round, potentially placing them directly ahead of Jacksonville’s pick at No. 56. That positioning could force the Jaguars to either trade up or pivot to another defensive target if they want to secure the rising defensive back.

Jaguars’ Draft Strategy Still Centered on Defensive Reinforcements

Even though cornerback is no longer considered an urgent roster hole following the return of Montaric Brown on a three-year, $31.5 million deal, Jacksonville is still widely expected to prioritize defense early in the draft.

The Jaguars’ front office is believed to be evaluating multiple areas of need, including the interior defensive line and pass rush depth. Those positions are considered higher-priority concerns heading into the draft, particularly given the importance of strengthening the rotation around key edge defenders.

However, the team is also expected to maintain flexibility at No. 56, where a talented cornerback like Johnson could still be available depending on how the board falls.

Why Chris Johnson Is Generating Draft Buzz

Chris Johnson has emerged as one of the more intriguing defensive backs in the 2026 draft class thanks to his combination of size, athletic ability, and ball skills.

During his final season at San Diego State, Johnson recorded four interceptions and consistently demonstrated strong instincts in coverage. Evaluators describe him as a “ball-hawk” corner who thrives when attacking throws and reading quarterbacks.

His skill set allows him to play both man and zone coverage effectively, which is particularly appealing for defensive coordinators who value versatility. Jacksonville defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile is expected to favor defensive backs who can adapt to multiple schemes, making Johnson a logical schematic fit.

While his tackling consistency has been identified as an area for improvement, his coverage upside is considered among the best in the class.

Packers Emerging as a Serious Threat

The Green Bay Packers are now viewed as one of the biggest potential obstacles to Jacksonville landing Johnson.

Reports from draft analysts and team insiders suggest that Green Bay has been closely monitoring Johnson since the Senior Bowl process. A recent top-50 draft board also ranked him as a top-tier cornerback prospect and identified him as a priority target for the Packers.

Green Bay’s interest is not surprising, as the team has a long history of prioritizing athletic defensive backs with strong ball production and developmental upside. With cornerback depth still a concern, Johnson fits a profile that aligns closely with the Packers’ drafting tendencies under general manager Brian Gutekunst.

If Green Bay selects Johnson at No. 52, it would place him just ahead of Jacksonville, potentially taking him off the board before the Jaguars have a chance to make their selection.

Jaguars May Need to Consider Draft-Day Movement

Because of the Packers’ draft position, Jacksonville may face a strategic dilemma. If Johnson remains available late in the second round, the Jaguars could consider trading up to secure him before Green Bay makes its selection.

However, that decision would depend on how the board unfolds and whether other defensive targets remain available at positions of higher need.

Alternative Defensive Options for Jacksonville

Even if Johnson is no longer available, the Jaguars are expected to have multiple defensive options to consider at No. 56 and beyond.

Potential alternatives include reinforcing the defensive front or adding linebacker depth, with several prospects expected to be available in the second round range. Interior defensive line help remains a particularly strong consideration given the overall draft depth at that position.

Linebackers such as emerging prospects like Jacob Rodriguez and Anthony Hill Jr. could also be in play if Jacksonville prioritizes defensive versatility and immediate impact players in the middle of the defense.

Additionally, adding a pass rusher to complement Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker remains a realistic option, especially if the Jaguars want to deepen their rotational edge pressure.

Draft Outlook: Flexibility Will Be Key for Jacksonville

The Jaguars are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a flexible but clearly defense-oriented strategy. While Chris Johnson is viewed as an ideal schematic fit and high-upside addition at cornerback, his availability is far from guaranteed.

With the Packers positioned as a potential landing spot for him just ahead of Jacksonville’s selection, the Jaguars may need to prepare contingency plans at multiple defensive positions.

Ultimately, Jacksonville’s ability to adapt on draft night—whether by targeting Johnson, trading up, or shifting focus to other defensive needs—could play a major role in shaping the next phase of their roster rebuild.