The Philadelphia Eagles have never shied away from investing in the secondary. If recent draft evaluations are any indication, they may have another intriguing option on their radar. Chris Johnson, the 2025 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and a First-Team All-Mountain West selection, is quickly gaining traction as one of the more versatile cornerback prospects in this year’s class. His rise has been fueled not just by production but also by the kind of evaluation that tends to turn heads in NFL front offices.

Per the report, Philadelphia hosted Johnson for a virtual meeting ahead of the NFL Draft.

Lance Zierlein compares Chris Johnson to Byron Murphy.

In his draft profile, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com offered a notable comparison, linking Johnson’s game to Byron Murphy, a former second-round pick who developed into a Pro Bowl-caliber player.

“Scheme-versatile cornerback prospect with average size and the ability to play inside or outside.. Johnson is consistent in mirroring the release from his pedal and rarely labors when transitioning with route breaks… He attacks the catch point with run-through force and is a tenacious wrap-up tackler who can quickly end plays.”

That type of versatility is exactly what Philadelphia has prioritized in recent years. Defensive schemes continue to evolve, and corners who can move between boundary and slot responsibilities without sacrificing effectiveness carry added value. Johnson checks those boxes. While he may not possess elite size, his discipline, technique, and willingness to play physically give him a strong foundation to contribute early at the next level.

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For a team like the Eagles, which has shown a willingness to develop young defensive backs while competing, that profile fits. The comparison to Murphy doesn’t guarantee anything, but it does set a tone, and if Johnson’s trajectory continues upward, he could find himself firmly in the Eagles’ conversation when draft weekend arrives.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles held a virtual meeting with San Diego State CB Chris Johnson