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Cornerback Will Johnson could go down as biggest steal of 2025 NFL Draft

The former Michigan Wolverine was once projected to be a top ten pick, but slid into the second round.

Published

2 minutes ago

April 25, 2025

Michigan cornerback Will Johnson poses with a hat for his new team. Credit: Instagram - @umichfootball, @willjohnson and @azcardinals

Former Michigan cornerback Will Johnson was considered to be one of the best prospects in the NFL Draft, but he unexpectedly slipped out of the first round Thursday. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, teams were worried about an issue with his knee. The wait ended in the second round Friday at pick No. 47 with the Arizona Cardinals.

Legendary Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson announced the pick, and it seemed to be a passing of the torch.

CB Will Johnson drafted by Arizona Cardinals in second round

Arizona got a day-one starter and former unanimous All-Big Ten player in the middle of the second round, so it could easily be the biggest steal of the draft. Johnson missed the final seven games of the 2024 season with turf toe, but he recorded two pick-sixes in his five games of action.

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In 2023, Johnson was arguably the best cornerback in the country. The Detroit native had four interceptions on the season to go with 27 tackles. His tackling numbers would likely be higher if quarterbacks threw his way more often, but that never works out well.

Johnson was named the Defensive MVP of the 2023 national championship, as he recorded four tackles and one interception. The Cardinals’ secondary is average at best, and a star like Johnson should be able to help them immediately.

A familiar foe will line up across from Johnson every day in practice in former Ohio State standout wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The young playmakers have a chance to help the Cardinals get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

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Johnson is the fourth Wolverine to be selected in the draft, as he followed Mason Graham (No. 5 overall, Cleveland Browns), Colston Loveland (No. 10 overall, Chicago Bears) and Kenneth Grant (No. 13 overall).

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