Will Johnson, a standout cornerback from the University of Michigan, was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 47th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Once projected as a top-10 pick, Johnson’s draft stock fell due to injury concerns, but he remains a promising talent for the Cardinals’ secondary.
🏈 Early Life and High School Career
Born on March 29, 2003, in Detroit, Michigan, Will Johnson hails from a football family—his father, Deon Johnson, played cornerback for the Michigan Wolverines in the 1990s. Attending Grosse Pointe South High School, Johnson excelled both offensively and defensively. As a senior, he recorded 45 tackles, a sack, an interception, and 12 pass breakups on defense, while accumulating 1,302 all-purpose yards on offense, including 42 receptions for 667 yards and six touchdowns. His performance earned him all-state honors and recognition as the top player in Michigan by 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals.
🎓 College Career at Michigan
Freshman Season (2022)
Johnson made an immediate impact as a freshman, starting in all 14 games and recording 27 tackles, four interceptions, and eight pass breakups. His performance earned him Freshman All-American honors and set the stage for a promising collegiate career.
Sophomore Season (2023)
In 2023, Johnson was named to the Jim Thorpe Award watch list and started 12 games, missing three due to injury. He allowed only 17 receptions on 321 coverage snaps, including zero touchdowns, and finished the season with 27 tackles and four interceptions. Notably, he recorded an interception against Ohio State and a pivotal pick-six in the National Championship game against Washington, earning Defensive MVP honors. He was subsequently named a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection and a first-team All-American by Sports Illustrated.
Junior Season (2024)
Entering his junior season, Johnson was widely regarded as the best cornerback in college football. He started the season strong with three tackles and an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown against Fresno State. However, a shoulder contusion sidelined him for the following game, and a turf toe injury ended his season after six games. Despite the limited play, he recorded 14 tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), and three pass breakups. He was named a second-team All-American and declared for the 2025 NFL Draft in December 2024, foregoing his senior season.
🏈 NFL Draft Profile
Physical Attributes
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 194 pounds, Johnson possesses the ideal frame for an NFL cornerback. His length and athleticism allow him to cover large areas of the field and disrupt passes that other cornerbacks might not reach. His arm length measures 30 1/8 inches, and his hand size is 9 1/8 inches. At 21 years old on draft day, Johnson is considered a young prospect with significant upside.
Strengths
- Coverage Skills: Johnson excels in both man and zone coverage, displaying strong instincts and football IQ that allow him to anticipate plays and react accordingly. He is adept at reading the quarterback and making plays on the ball. His ability to play both press and off-coverage adds versatility to his skill set.
- Tackling and Run Support: Despite being primarily known for his coverage skills, Johnson is a willing and capable tackler. He is not afraid to get physical in run support, which is crucial for boundary cornerbacks in the NFL.
- Ball Skills: Over his college career, Johnson recorded nine interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays.
Weaknesses
- Injury Concerns: Injuries, particularly a turf toe issue in 2024, have raised concerns about Johnson’s durability. He was unable to participate in the NFL Combine or Pro Day, which may have contributed to his slide into the second round.
- Change of Direction: At times, Johnson’s change of direction can be inconsistent, leading to difficulties when reacting to double moves or staying close on top of routes. This can result in allowing too much separation at critical moments.
- Aggressive Playing Style: Johnson’s aggressive approach can sometimes lead him to take risks that pull him out of position, exposing his coverage to potential big plays.
🏈 Professional Career with the Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals selected Will Johnson with the 47th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite concerns about his injury history, Johnson’s talent and potential make him a valuable addition to the Cardinals’ secondary. Analysts have praised the pick, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. labeling Johnson a potential “Round 2 steal,” citing his placement at No. 11 on Kiper’s Big Board. Kiper emphasized Johnson’s value in bolstering an Arizona defense that ranked 29th in opponent completion percentage last season.
The Cardinals have focused heavily on defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting only defensive players in the first five rounds. Johnson joins defensive tackle Walter Nolen, linebacker Cody Simon, and cornerback Denzel Burke as part of the team’s efforts to strengthen their defensive unit. While opinions on the draft class vary, the consensus average grade ranged around a B, reflecting cautious optimism that the high-risk, high-reward strategy focused on defensive talent may transform Arizona’s defense if the
