Former Michigan cornerback Will Johnson is trending to be a major steal for the Arizona Cardinals in the 2025 draft.
The two-time All-American slid to the second round, No. 47 overall, in April as draft experts cited injury concerns for teams’ hesitancy to select him earlier. It’s still early in the 2025 season, but when healthy, Johnson has been one of the top defensive backs in the NFL.
The former five-star recruit out of Grosse Pointe South is the No. 1-ranked cornerback in the league by Pro Football & Sports Network and No. 2 by Pro Football Focus. Johnson has missed two games because of a groin injury but still is among the league leaders with five pass breakups.
In three games, Johnson has played 71% of defensive snaps for the 2-3 Cardinals.
“He takes the coaching and he applies it,” Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon said. “He doesn’t make the same mistake twice, typically. I’m pretty hard on him, but he’s smart. He’s tough. He’s got what you’re looking for in a corner. He’s done a good job since he’s been here. And again, I think he’s going to continue to ascend the more he plays.”
The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder returned to Arizona’s lineup last week after a two-game absence and recorded three tackles and a pass deflection in a stunning 22-21 loss to the Titans.
According to PFF, Johnson has been targeted 18 times in 2025 and has allowed 10 receptions, but none for more than 15 yards.
Entering his junior season at Michigan in 2024, Johnson was widely considered one of the top draft prospects in the country. He was an instrumental piece of Michigan’s defense during its 2023 national championship season, finishing with 27 tackles, eight pass breakups and four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
However, he was limited to six games last year because of injury and did not participate in testing at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Johnson and the Cardinals face 4-1 Indianapolis on Sunday.