THE ONE POSITION THE 2026 MIAMI DOLPHINS ARE ACTUALLY STACKED AT — AND WHY THAT’S GREAT NEWS
Everyone’s talking about what Miami needs to add this offseason. But the cornerback room? That’s already a “let them fight” situation — and that’s exactly what this rebuild needs.
The Anchor: Chris Johnson, Pick No. 27
Let’s start with the crown jewel of Miami’s cornerback depth chart: Chris Johnson.
The Dolphins made a calculated move during the draft, trading up from pick 30 to 27 to snag the San Diego State standout. It cost them a third-round pick, but the payoff could be monumental. Johnson’s college resume speaks for itself:
- Four interceptions returned for 146 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.
- 92.0 PFF defensive grade, tied for best in the nation last season.
- Passer rating against: A jaw-dropping 16 when targeted.
Quarterbacks simply couldn’t figure him out. They completed just 44.2% of passes thrown his way, managing only 185 yards and zero touchdowns while surrendering four picks.
New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan was effusive in his praise:
“He’s got great feet, great balance and body control. He’s physical. He’s a big corner. He can play nickel, play outside corner. He’s got ball skills. When you start checking the boxes for a defensive back, there weren’t really many left — there were none, really.”
But Johnson’s value goes beyond the stat sheet. His decision to stay at San Diego State for all four years, rather than chasing greener pastures in the transfer portal, speaks volumes about his loyalty and commitment — traits that NFL teams flagged as major positives during the draft process.
The Supporting Cast Is Already Deep
While Johnson is the headliner, Miami’s cornerback room is quietly one of the deepest on the roster.
Here’s the current depth chart:
- Chris Johnson: The first-round pick and CB1.
- Marco Wilson: A savvy free-agent signing who projects as CB2.
- Darrell Baker Jr.: Another free-agent addition, providing veteran depth.
- Jason Marshall Jr.: A 2025 fifth-round pick penciled in as the starting nickel corner.
- JuJu Brents: Claimed off waivers in 2025, returning from injury with something to prove.
- Ethan Bonner: A 2023 UDFA with system familiarity.
- Alex Austin: Special teams ace and reliable depth.
- Storm Duck: A developmental piece with intriguing upside.
- A.J. Green III: Practice squad addition with potential.
That’s nine names competing for five or six roster spots — a logjam that ensures no one gets handed a job.
What Hafley’s Defense Needs
Head coach Jeff Hafley’s vision for Miami’s defense is clear: physicality, aggression, and competition.
Chris Johnson embodies this philosophy. His 687 career special teams snaps at San Diego State highlight his willingness to grind, even when the spotlight isn’t on him. His versatility — capable of playing both outside and nickel corner — gives Hafley flexibility in how he deploys his secondary.
Jason Marshall Jr. looks like the natural fit for the nickel role, while Johnson and Wilson hold down the outside. Baker provides experienced depth, while Brents, Duck, and Green will battle for developmental spots.
This is exactly the kind of competition Miami’s rebuild needs. Rather than signing a veteran to take snaps away from younger players, the Dolphins are letting the room compete and build a foundation for the future.
The Bottom Line
The Dolphins have plenty of needs this offseason — edge depth, safety help, and offensive line consistency among them. But cornerback? That’s one area where Miami is already ahead of schedule.
With Chris Johnson anchoring the room, a strong supporting cast in place, and a deep tier of developmental prospects, the Dolphins have everything they need to succeed at the position.
The answer isn’t adding another cornerback. It’s letting the players they’ve already invested in fight for their spots — and in the process, building the competitive culture this rebuild demands.
Sources
Dolphins Wire / USA Today: Underrated Reason Why New Dolphins CB Chris Johnson Intrigued Teams in NFL Draft (May 5, 2026)
GoAztecs.com: Chris Johnson Picked by Miami Dolphins in First Round of 2026 NFL Draft (April 23, 2026)
Miami Dolphins Official: Fast Facts: Chris Johnson (2026)
The Phinsider: Miami Dolphins Post-Draft 2026 Depth Chart Update
