Saints' Draft Target: Chris Johnson, Versatile DB
About this episode
Saints Defense Seeks Replacement for Taylor in 2026 NFL Draft
The Saints defense, led by new coordinator Brandon Staley, had a standout 2025 season, ranking fourth against the pass. However, they lost veteran corner Alontae Taylor to free agency, creating a void they aim to fill in the 2026 NFL draft.
With the eighth overall pick, the Saints could target LSUs Mansoor Delane or explore other needs and consider a Day Two gem like San Diego States Chris Johnson. Johnson, a versatile defensive back, showcased his skills in the Mountain West, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Johnsons game is marked by his ability to play both man and zone coverage, his agile footwork, and his capacity to tackle effectively. While he may not be the most physical player and can struggle with contested catches, his agility and scheme-proof skills make him an attractive Day Two steal. The Saints could benefit from his multi-role flexibility, and he could potentially step in day one.
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NFL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! — Saints' Draft Target: Chris Johnson, Versatile DB. Machine-transcribed; use the interactive transcript above to jump the player to any line.
0:00It's March 29th, NFL News Today starts now, AI-powered, and game-ready. I'm Cori with the story. The Saints' defense balled out in 2025 under new coordinator Brandon Staley, finishing forth against the pass with a young secondary, full of fresh faces. But they lost veteran-corner Alantay Taylor to free agency, leaving a big hole that folks expect them to plug in the 2026 NFL draft. They're sitting at the 8th overall pick, where they might grab LSU's Mansour Delane, or pivot to another need in IA Day 2 gym like San Diego. States, Chris Johnson, Johnson, a 6-foot, 193 pounder from California, lit up the Mountain West last year with four picks, including two picks' sixes. That tie for the NCAA lead, nine passes defenced, and 67 tackles, earned defensive player of the year honors there. His game screens versatility, smooth in man or zone, elite feet and hips for mirroring
1:00receivers, plays outside or slot, and tackles like he means it. Sure, he's not the most physical, and can get beat on contested catches, but his agility pops on tape. Saints need that multi-role flexibility Taylor brought, and Johnson's scheme-proof skills make him a day-tooth still who could step in day one. Keep watching as draft boards shake out this off-season.
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