Patriots Mocked To Pick Potential Carlton Davis III Replacement originally appeared on NESN.
Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots could make a surprising pick at 31st overall.
New England has been connected to offensive linemen and edge rushers at 31st overall, but NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com mocked the Patriots to select cornerback Chris Johnson out of San Diego State.
“The Patriots can afford to take the best prospect available here,” Jeremiah wrote in a mock draft published on Wednesday. “They have quality players at cornerback, but they’re going to have to pay Christian Gonzalez (rookie deal expires after 2027 season) and they’re already paying Carlton Davis III.
“Johnson gives them a younger, cheaper option to eventually replace Davis, and this San Diego State product is versatile enough to line up at multiple spots in the secondary, perhaps even at safety.”
The Patriots going cornerback at 31st overall would be a surprise, especially given the fact that New England has Gonzalez and Davis under contract. But, as Jeremiah noted, Johnson could replace Davis and add some more depth in the secondary.
At San Diego State last season, Johnson recorded 48 tackles, eight pass defenses, four interceptions, one sack, and one forced fumble. He spent his entire four-year college career at SDSU and was a shutdown cornerback.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
More NFL: Patriots Mock Draft Trade With Cardinals Targets 1,773-Yard Pass Catcher To Support Drake Maye