The Green Bay Packers are approaching the 2026 NFL offseason determined to strengthen their roster and emerge as serious Super Bowl contenders. After enduring a challenging 2025 season marked by numerous injuries, the Packers managed to reach the playoffs but fell short during a critical Wild Card game against the Chicago Bears.
Though Green Bay held a commanding 21-3 lead at halftime, the team’s performance unraveled in the second half, resulting in a devastating loss that ranks among the most significant playoff collapses in recent NFL history. This outcome has intensified urgency for the Packers to address key weaknesses ahead of the upcoming season.
Targeting Defensive Upgrades with a Talented Cornerback
One of the Packers’ foremost offseason priorities is bolstering their cornerback position, which has proven vulnerable. Analysts, including SI’s Jacob Westendorf, have connected Green Bay with an exciting defensive prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite lacking a first-round pick, Westendorf’s seven-round mock draft projects the Packers selecting San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson at No. 52 overall in the second round.
With limited resources, however, the Packers cannot afford to be picky. Johnson could redshirt for a season, as the Packers typically like to do with their rookies, or he could step in should one of the starters ahead of him get injured or underperform.
Jacob Westendorf, SI Analyst
Chris Johnson’s College Performance Showcases Playmaking Potential
Johnson’s 2025 campaign at San Diego State highlighted his ability to make impactful plays. He recorded 48 tackles, contributed a sack and a forced fumble, and added four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Additionally, he defended eight passes throughout the season, demonstrating strong coverage skills.
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 185 pounds, Johnson is slightly smaller than typical NFL corners, but his versatility and knack for generating turnovers could offer valuable options to Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Gannon may utilize Johnson’s playmaking traits to enhance the team’s secondary and limit opposing offenses.
Looking Ahead: Why Johnson Could Be a Key Addition
Although the NFL Draft is more than two months away, Chris Johnson’s name is quickly gaining traction as one to monitor in the second round. His potential to develop either as a future starter or a reliable backup aligns well with the Packers’ strategic goals, especially as they seek to avoid repeating the setbacks that plagued their 2025 campaign.
By adding a dynamic newcomer like Johnson, Green Bay hopes to build a more resilient defense capable of sustaining playoff success and advancing deeper into the postseason in 2026 and beyond.
