The move up was powered by the Dolphins sending the No. 90 selection in the trade, signaling that Johnson was valued highly by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who had suggested before the draft that moving up would be unlikely but remains open to “everything on the table” if a top target emerged.
Johnson’s selection follows the Dolphins’ earlier move to shore up the trenches, as Miami had already picked Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor at No. 12. The club previously passed on Miami native Reuben Bain, the Hurricanes defensive end, as part of its first-round plan.
Evaluators viewed Johnson as a high-upside cover corner with a physical profile suited for boundary play. He appeared in 47 games for San Diego State and totaled four interceptions during the 2025 season. Scouting notes emphasize his height and mass, plus quick feet and strong movement skills in off-coverage, along with reliable tackling and a nose for the ball, traits that impressed analysts and coaches at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine.
Johnson fills an immediate need for Miami after losing cornerbacks Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones Jr. in free agency, giving the Dolphins a versatile, press-ready defender to help stabilize the secondary.
Looking ahead to Day 2, Miami holds four selections, including the No. 43 overall choice. One potential target could be Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard, a versatile playmaker whose size and reliable hands could complement quarterback Malik Willis. Analysts expect the Dolphins to balance continued help on offense with additional defensive depth as they pursue complementary pieces for the 2026 roster.
