Dolphins Trade Up to Select SDSU's Chris Johnson with the 27th Overall Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins traded up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson with the 27th overall pick. Miami sent their original No. 30 pick and a third-round selection to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the 27th pick and a later fourth-rounder. Johnson became the second cornerback taken in the draft and the first San Diego State player selected in the first round since Rashaad Penny in 2018. He’s also the first defensive Aztec taken in the first round since Willie Buchanon in 1972.
At 6-foot, 193 pounds, Johnson brings excellent size, speed, and instincts to the Dolphins’ secondary. The Long Beach native and Eastvale product walked on at SDSU and stayed all four years, developing into one of the top defensive backs in the Mountain West. He capped his senior season with 4 interceptions — including two pick-sixes — while earning First Team All-Mountain West and Second Team All-American honors. Scouts praised his clean film, ball skills, and versatility in both man and zone coverage.
Johnson’s selection ends a three-year NFL Draft drought for the Aztecs and marks the 10th first-round pick in San Diego State history. The former three-star recruit from Eleanor Roosevelt High School earned the loyalty of SDSU fans by never entering the transfer portal. Head coach Sean Lewis highlighted not just Johnson’s tape, but his character and work ethic as the qualities that set him apart.
For the Dolphins, the pick addresses a clear need in the secondary under new defensive coaching. Johnson is viewed as a high-upside player who can compete for snaps immediately and contribute on special teams. His combination of length, speed, and playmaking ability should fit well in Miami’s defensive scheme.
Draft night was a proud moment for the entire San Diego State community. From modest recruiting rankings to becoming a first-round selection who stayed home, Chris Johnson’s journey is a reminder of what hard work and loyalty can achieve. Dolphins fans now have a new young corner to root for as his NFL career begins in South Florida.

2025 NFL Draft Profile: KeyShawn Smith, WR, SMU

Position: Wide Receiver

College: Southern Methodist (Previously Miami)

High School: LINCOLN

Height/Weight: 6'1", 191lbs

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Born in San Diego, California, Keyshawn Smith’s football journey reflects resilience, from earning his stripes at Miami to transferring to SMU for a fresh start. His high school accolades and college growth highlight a player dedicated to refining his craft.

Smith emerged as a standout wide receiver at Lincoln High School, leading the program to back-to-back CIF San Diego Championship games, winning the Division II title in 2018 with two catches for 50 yards and a touchdown catch that was featured on ESPN's "You Got Mossed". 

As a senior, he recorded 46 receptions for 808 yards and eight receiving touchdowns, showcasing his speed, reliable hands, and playmaking ability. Beyond receiving, he added versatility with three rushing touchdowns and returned both a punt and a kickoff for scores. A consensus three-star prospect, he was ranked among the top 100 players in California by ESPN (No. 78), Rivals (No. 84), and 247Sports (No. 86). His performance drew offers from schools like Washington State, Boise State, San Diego State, Tennessee, and UNLV, but he ultimately committed to the University of Miami on January 21, 2020.

Smith redshirted his first year at Miami, seeing limited action as he adjusted to the college game during the COVID-affected season. Granted an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic, Smith broke out as a key contributor, starting all 12 games for the Hurricanes. He finished with 33 receptions for 405 yards and three touchdowns, ranking third on the team in catches and receiving yards. Notable games included a career-high seven catches for 73 yards against North Carolina (Oct. 16) and 82 yards on three receptions at Pittsburgh (Oct. 30).

2025 NFL Draft Profile: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Position: Offensive Tackle

College: Ohio State (Previously SAN DIEGO STATE)

 High School: MADISON & HELIX

Height/Weight: 6'5", 310lbs

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Projected Round: Late 1st to Early 2nd

Josh Simmons is an athletic offensive tackle prospect with experience on both sides of the line. After starting his career at San Diego State, Simmons transferred to Ohio State where he solidified himself as one of the nation's top tackles before suffering a season-ending patellar tendon tear in his left knee during the 2024 campaign. His combination of fluid movement skills, technical development, and versatility makes him an intriguing prospect despite the injury concerns.

Following a standout run at Madison High School, Simmons transferred to Helix for his senior campaign and was slated to play for the Highlanders in 2020 before COVID postponed the season.

Simmons spent his first two collegiate seasons at San Diego State, redshirting in 2021 before becoming a full-time starter at right tackle in 2022. He transferred to Ohio State in 2023, where he started every game at left tackle. During his time with the Buckeyes, Simmons established himself as a key piece of their offensive line, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2024 despite playing in just six games.

In total, Simmons started 32 collegiate games (19 at left tackle, 13 at right tackle) and showed consistent improvement throughout his career. He was part of Ohio State's national championship team in 2024 before his injury sidelined him for the second half of the season.

Simmons projects as a developmental starting tackle with scheme versatility at the next level. While his athletic traits and experience on both sides of the line are valuable, he may need time to recover from his injury and refine his technical approach before taking on starting responsibilities. His ceiling is that of a quality starting tackle, but his floor depends largely on his recovery and development of functional strength.

Josh Simmons is an absolute monster.
33 reps on the bench🏋️💪@OhioStateFB @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/bct7rbbuFb

— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) March 26, 2025

2025 NFL Draft Spotlight:

KeyShawn Smith, WR, SMU

Former USD tight end goes from one year of prep football to NFL prospect

Before becoming one of the top tight end prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft, Dalton Kincaid had only played football as a senior in high school. His main focus was basketball, where he helped his AAU squad win a national championship. Despite this, he was able to earn an all-state selection and showcase his athletic ability on the field which landed him a spot on the University of San Diego football team in 2018. 

The true freshman started three of 12 games for the Toreros and hauled in 11 touchdown grabs. His breakout game came in USD’s playoff loss to Nicholls State, where Kincaid recorded six catches for 87 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.

Kincaid's impressive performance continued in 2019, where he scored eight more times and averaged 19 yards per reception in 12 appearances, earning him a third-team AP FCS All-American selection. 

He transferred to Utah in 2020, but it was in 2021 that he really stood out, leading the Utes with eight touchdown receptions and starting 13 of 14 games played, earning an All-Pac-12 honorable mention. In his senior year, Kincaid continued to impress NFL scouts, catching 70 passes for 890 yards and eight scores, and earning another third-team All-American honor from the Associated Press.

Kincaid is projected to be a first-round pick, which would be a first for a former USD player.

2022 NFL Draft Spotlight: Kyle Philips

Height & Weight: 5'11" 189lbs

Position: Wide Receiver

Hometown: San Marcos, California

College: UCLA

High School: SAN MARCOS

As a highly-touted recruit at San Marcos, Kyle Philips lived up to his four-star rating by putting up big numbers for the Knights. Despite a late offer from Michigan, Philips followed through on his commitment to UCLA and helped kickstart the Chip Kelly era. 

A breakout 2021 season saw Philips earn First-Team All-Pac 12 honors and Second-Time All-America after leading UCLA in receptions for the third straight season. He finished his run with the Bruins with the fourth-most career receptions (163) in program history.

2022 NFL Draft Spotlight: CJ Verdell

Height & Weight: 5'8" 211lbs

Position: Running Back

Hometown: Chula Vista, California

College: Oregon

High School: MATER DEI CATHOLIC

During his breakout junior season at Mater Dei Catholic, CJ Verdell rushed for 2,135 yards while finding the end zone 35 times. His performance led him to First Team All-CIF San Diego honors and the Crusaders' first state championship win in program history.

Verdell followed up by winning the 2016 CIF San Diego Section Offensive Player of the Year and KUSI Silver Pigskin Award before taking his talent to Oregon.

2022 NFL Draft Spotlight: Greg Bell

Height & Weight: 6'0" 200lbs

Position: Running Back

Hometown: Chula Vista, California

College: AZ Western / Nebraska / SAN DIEGO STATE

High School: BONITA VISTA

Our second draft spotlight from the Mesa has been one of the more exciting players to watch coming out of San Diego County. Dating back to his prep football days, Greg Bell has displayed a unique ability to make defenders miss in the open field while maintaining his speed and vision. 

Bell rushed for 2,632 yards and 34 touchdowns to cap off a historic senior season where he helped Bonita Vista earn its first CIF San Diego Section title and state championship appearance in program history. After two All-American JuCo seasons at Arizona Western, Bell had a short stint at Nebraska before returning home to San Diego State the following year.

2022 NFL Draft Spotlight: Matt Araiza

Height & Weight: 6'2" 200lbs

Position: Punter & Kicker

Hometown: San Diego, California

College: SAN DIEGO STATE

High School: RANCHO BERNARDO

In 2021, Matt Araiza joined Marshall Faulk as the only unanimous first-team All-Americas in San Diego State history. Proving that the nickname "Punt God" was earned, not given, Araiza's unforgettable season featured a new FBS record in punt average (51.4), two punts over 80 yards, and the Ray Guy Award, given to the top college punter in the nation.

2022 NFL Draft Spotlight: Brandon Lewis

Height & Weight: 5'9" 175lbs

Position: Wide Receiver

Hometown: San Diego, California

College: Air Force

High School: MADISON

Brandon Lewis has been a big play waiting to happen since his stellar career at Madison High, where he ended his senior season with First Team All-CIF San Diego honors and a state championship victory. Due to playing in Air Force's signature triple-option system, Lewis isn't leaving the program with highly impressive stats and accolades, but those who have followed his career know he has the skillset to be one of the hidden gems of the 2022 NFL Draft.

2022 NFL Draft Spotlight: Chris Olave

Height & Weight: 6'1" 187lbs

Position: Wide Receiver

Hometown: San Ysidro, California

College: Ohio State

High School: MISSION HILLS

Following a record-setting senior season where he helped Mission Hills to an Open Division Championship berth, Chris Olave had his breakout collegiate performance as a freshman against Ohio State's most hated rival. Olave only had two catches in that 62-38 blowout against Michigan, but they were the first two touchdown receptions of his college career. He would go on to break the school record for career receiving touchdowns with 35. A record he most likely would have shattered if not for a shortened 2020 season.

2022 NFL Draft Spotlight: Devin Lloyd

Height & Weight: 6'3" 237lbs

Position: Linebacker

Hometown: Chula Vista, California

College: Utah

High School: OTAY RANCH

At Otay Ranch, Devin Lloyd earned accolades as a receiver and safety. Before arriving at Utah, Lloyd had never played linebacker. While redshirting his freshman year, he was talked into making the move. He got his first start at the rover position in 2019 and things have looked up ever since. His draft stock skyrocketed in 2021 when Lloyd finished with career highs in tackles (111), sacks (7), and interceptions (4). His breakout performance earned him Pac-12 Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year and Consensus All-America amongst other honors.

NFL Draft San Diego

We would like to wish much success to all the players with prep or collegiate ties to San Diego who received their opportunity to play in the National Football League this weekend.

2019 NFL Draft Selections

TE Kahale Warring

SAN DIEGO STATE 

Houston Texans - 3rd Round (86th Overall)

Punter Jake Bailey

SANTE FE CHRISTIAN / Stanford 

New England Patriots - 5th Round (163rd Overall)

DB Jordan Miller

OCEANSIDE / Washington

Atlanta Falcons - 5th Round (172nd Overall)

Undrafted Free Agents

Kicker John Baron

SAN DIEGO STATE

Chicago Bears

DB Parker Baldwin

SAN DIEGO STATE

Atlanta Falcons

DB Alijah Holder

OCEANSIDE / Stanford

Denver Broncos

OL Ryan Pope

SAN DIEGO STATE

Detroit Lions

OL Tyler Roemer
SAN DIEGO STATE
Oakland Raiders

DL Ray Smith

CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC / Boston College

Detroit Lions

WR Fred Trevillion
SAN DIEGO STATE
Green Bay Packers 

San Diego Football Weekend Recap

Photo Credit: Jessica Smith

Much like Floyd Mayweather after his unanimous decision win over Manny Pacquiao, the San Diego Enforcers and San Diego Surge are still undefeated. The Chargers also completed their 2015 NFL Draft while some former local prep and collegiate standouts received a shot at the big leagues.

National Public Safety Football League

San Diego Enforcers (4-0) 15, New York's Finest (1-1) 14.

QUEENS, NY - The Enforcers' trip to the Big Apple was a huge success after squeaking out a 15-14 victory over the defending NPSFL national champion NYPD. It was the first time in 43 years that the NYPD was defeated at home by a team from outside of New York. Tied for first place in the NPSFL, a win over the LAPD Centurions on May 30th will clinch their second straight appearance in the national title game.

Chargers trade up to draft Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon

After losing Ryan Mathews to the Philadelphia Eagles during free agency, the San Diego Chargers found their much needed replacement by selecting Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon with the 15th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft.

The Chargers sent a 2015 fourth-round pick and a 2016 fifth-rounder to the San Francisco 49ers in order to move up two spots from their original 17th pick. It was the first trade to take place in this year's draft.

Gordon led the country last season with 2,740 rushing yards. He also rushed for 408 yards against Nebraska, breaking an NCAA single-game record that was previously held by former Charger great LaDainian Tomlinson.

2014 Chargers Draft Recap, Local Draftees, and UDFAs

 

On the final day of the 2014 NFL Draft, numerous players with prep and collegiate ties to San Diego got their names called. Some of those who didn't received an opportunity to sign with teams as undrafted free agents. Meanwhile, the San Diego Chargers continued to beef up their roster.

 

 

Giants draft Berhe, Chargers draft a Giant

 

Giants select SS Nat Berhe with the 152nd Overall Pick

After a five round wait, the San Diego State Aztecs finally got a player selected in the 2014 NFL Draft. The New York Giants took strong safety Nat Berhe with the 12th pick of the 5th round. After redshirting in 2009, Berhe started 41 games at the "Aztec" position in Rocky Long's 3-3-5 defense, where he logged a career total of 299 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five interceptions, 20 pass breakups, four fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. The three-time All-Mountain West selection was knocked for his size (5-foot-10 & 193 pounds) and called "a safety trapped in a cornerback's body", but his competitive nature and great instincts should give him a chance to compete for playing time as a rookie.

 

Chargers select NT Ryan Carrethers with the 165th Overall Pick

With Cam Thomas leaving for Pittsburgh during free agency, the Chargers needed a new monster to clog the middle of the defensive line. The Chargers might have found one in Ryan Carrethers, a 6-foot-1 and 337 pound nose tackle out of Arkansas State. His 32 bench reps were tied for third most in the combine, and he claims he can squat 700 pounds. The two-time All-Sun Belt selection was also an undefeated wrestler during his senior year of high school.

Chargers draft Attaochu & Watt in Day Two

The San Diego Chargers introduce their 2014 first round pick, TCU cornerback Jason Verrett.

 

For the second straight year, the San Diego Chargers traded a 4th round pick in order to move up seven spots in the second round to draft a linebacker. 

 

After a making a deal with the Miami Dolphins, the Chargers moved up from No. 57 to No. 50 and selected Jeremiah Attaochu (Ah-tah-choo) out of Georgia Tech. Last year they took Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o.

 

Attaochu started in 37 games for Georgia Tech and racked up a school record 31.5 career sacks. He measured at 6-foot-3 and 252 pounds at the NFL Combine, but was unable to perform in any drills due to injuries to his hand and hamstring during the Senior Bowl.

 

With the 89th overall pick in the 3rd round, the Chargers went with Norte Dame guard Chris Watt. Watt is described as a good-sized physical player who has the ability to become a starter. Measured at 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, Watt is expected to provide depth at multiple offensive line positions.

Video: CB Jason Verrett's first game at the Q

 

On October 8th 2011, the Texas Christian Horned Frogs came to town to take on the San Diego State Aztecs in a Mountain West Conference showdown at Qualcomm Stadium. Little did we know, a sophomore cornerback by the name of Jason Verrett would be a first round draft pick for the San Diego Chargers two years and seven months later.

 

Verrett recorded six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and his first collegiate interception to help TCU come away with a 27-14 win over the Aztecs.

Chargers select TCU CB Jason Verrett with 1st round pick

 

With the 25th pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers selected Jason Verrett, a cornerback out of Texas Christian University.

While Verrett may be undersized at 5'9" and 189 pounds, his competitiveness and explosive play could make this a great pick for the Chargers, who's lacking at the cornerback position after releasing Derek Cox this offseason.

Verrett earned 2013 co-Big 12 defensive player of the year honors after putting up 39 tackles, 14 passes deflections, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one sack and a forced fumble. He was also one of the top performers in the combine after running a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash (2nd among CBs) and recording an impressive 39.0 inches in the vertical jump.

He could possibly be a match-up problem when going against taller wide receivers, but he's been known to hold his own, and isn't afraid to make his presence felt by delivering a big hit.

2013 NFL Draft: The Final Rounds

The Chargers introduce their first three picks before wrapping up the 2013 NFL Draft.

Previous Recaps: Day 1 - Day 2

NEW YORK, N.Y. (04/27/13) As the 2013 NFL Draft reached it's conclusion, the San Diego Chargers added three more prospects, the San Diego State Aztecs got their Mountain West Conference leading third draft selection, and more former San Diego prep football stars landed on NFL rosters.