Will Johnson 2025 NFL Draft: Michigan CB Scouting Report
In a loaded 2025 NFL Draft class, Will Johnson stands out as one of the top cornerbacks. Johnson is a versatile CB from Michigan who is widely projected as a high first-round pick. Today, we’ll break down his NFL outlook in this draft report. We will be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and his potential draft grade.
Will Johnson 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Johnson arrived at Michigan as a heralded five-star recruit with a pedigree. His father, Deon Johnson, was a standout defensive back for the Wolverines in the 1990s. Over three seasons in Ann Arbor, Johnson evolved from a high-potential freshman into one of college football’s premier defensive backs. Ultimately, he helped bring in a National Championship in 2023. Additionally, he earned Defensive MVP of the 2024 College Football Playoff title game.
Despite an injury-marred 2024 campaign, his blend of size, instincts, and playmaking ability positions him as a top-tier prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson’s game is defined by a rare combination of length, football IQ, and competitive toughness. However, questions about his speed and durability linger as he transitions to the NFL.
HT: 6016
WT: 194
40: 4.42e
ARM: 3018
Strengths
- Size and Length: With a filled-out frame, Johnson has the ideal build for a modern NFL cornerback. His long arms and wingspan allow him to contest passes at the catch point and disrupt receivers’ timing off the line.
- Coverage Instincts: Johnson’s pre-snap recognition and route anticipation are exceptional. He reads quarterbacks’ eyes with veteran-like poise, often positioning himself to jump routes or close passing windows. His six interceptions since 2023—including three pick-sixes—highlight his knack for turning coverage into points.
- Versatility: Comfortable in both man and zone schemes, Johnson thrives when he can keep the play in front of him, using his vision to react decisively. He’s shown the ability to press at the line, though he’s more effective in off-coverage, where his fluidity shines.
- Tackling Willingness: Unlike some taller corners, Johnson doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s a reliable tackler in run support, wrapping up ball carriers with proper form and limiting yards after the catch. His 68 career tackles reflect a physical edge uncommon for the position.
- Big-Game Pedigree: From locking down Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2023 to his pivotal interception in the national title game against Washington, Johnson has a proven track record in high-stakes moments.
Areas for Improvement
- Top-End Speed: While Johnson moves well for his size, he lacks elite long speed. Faster NFL receivers could test him deep if he doesn’t refine his recovery technique.
- Injury Concerns: A turf toe injury limited him to six games in 2024, following a shoulder issue earlier in the year and knee surgery in spring 2023. Durability is a red flag, especially for a player whose physicality is a selling point.
- Change of Direction: Johnson’s high hips can make him a tick slow when flipping to redirect on quick-breaking routes. Smaller, shiftier slot receivers may exploit this at the next level unless he sharpens his footwork.
- Press Consistency: While capable in press coverage, Johnson occasionally struggles to land his jams cleanly, allowing receivers a free release. This was more evident in 2024 when he appeared hampered by injury.
- Regression in 2024: Limited sample size aside, Johnson allowed a higher completion rate (16 of 26 targets per PFF) in his final season compared to his dominant 2023 campaign. Some attribute this to playing hurt, but it raises questions about his ceiling.
Conclusion
Will Johnson is a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect who brings a rare blend of physical tools and football savvy to the cornerback position. Unfortunately, his injury setbacks and untested speed cap his hype. However, the foundation is there for a decade-long NFL starter. For a team willing to bet on his health and coach up his technical flaws, Johnson could anchor a secondary and tilt the field in their favor.
Overall, Johnson profiles as a Day 1 starter with the potential to develop into a No. 1 cornerback. Impressively, his size and instincts draw comparisons to Patrick Surtain II. However, he lacks Surtain’s elite athletic testing numbers. He’s best suited for a defense that mixes zone and off-man coverage, allowing him to leverage his vision and ball skills.
In the end, teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers—needing a cornerstone in the secondary—could target him early. Ultimately, if he lands in the right scheme and stays healthy, Johnson has Pro Bowl upside by Year 2 in the NFL.
Round Grade: Mid 1st – Early 2nd Round
Stats: Per Sports Reference
| Season | Team | G | Solo | Ast | PD | Int | IntTD | FF |
| 2022* | Michigan | 14 | 25 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023* | Michigan | 12 | 20 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024* | Michigan | 6 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 2 | *2* | 0 |
| Career | 32 | 57 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 3 | 0 |
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