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Will Johnson

Will Johnson Player Profile

Summary

  • Drafted: Round 2, 47th overall (2025) by the Arizona Cardinals. On3

  • College: Michigan Wolverines.

  • Key college stats: In his Michigan career, Johnson recorded 68 total tackles, 9 interceptions, and notably 3 pick-sixes, per his NFL bio. On3

  • Career accolades: CFP National Champion (2023); Defensive MVP of the National Championship Game. He was also a First-Team All-American (2023) and Second-Team All-American (2024).

  • Character: Known for high football IQ, physicality, instinctive play, and leadership. Big Blue View He comes from strong pedigree — his father, Deon Johnson, played DB at Michigan. Arizona Cardinals

Strengths

  • Size + Length — At ~6’2”, he has a prototypical frame to match up with bigger receivers.

  • High Football IQ / Instincts — Excels in zone coverage; anticipates routes, shows strong awareness, and reads throws well. Big Blue View

  • Closing Burst — Has very good acceleration when breaking on the ball, making him a threat to contest throws. The Draft Network

  • Competitive and Physical in Press — Uses his length to disrupt receivers, fights through blocks, and plays aggressively at the line. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Ball Skills / Playmaker — Proven ability to make game-changing plays, including interception returns for touchdowns. WDIV

  • Tackling / Physicality — Not afraid to tackle; brings a physical style to run support and wraps up well. NFL Draft Buzz

Weaknesses

  • Injury History / Durability Risk — There are medical concerns; he missed part of his final season due to toe injury and other issues. SI

  • Long Speed Questionable — Some scouts worry his top-end speed or recovery speed may not be elite, which could be exposed in the NFL. Big Blue View

  • Ball Tracking — According to some reports, he can be late in turning his head to locate the ball in the air. The Draft Network

  • Press Technique Overreliance — Uses two-handed punches in press too often, which can be a technical liability. The Draft Network

  • Tackling Consistency in Open Field — While physical, he may be inconsistent in open-field tackling; needs to refine form. The Draft Network

Fit & Outlook

Will Johnson projects as a cornerback with shutdown potential in man coverage and a high ceiling in zone-heavy defenses. His combination of size, instincts, and competitive nature makes him a strong candidate to become a CB1 in the NFL, particularly in a system that values press-man coverage and big defensive backs. The Arizona Cardinals, having drafted him at 47, likely view him as a long-term starter who can develop into an impact defender, assuming he can stay healthy. His injury concerns are real, but if he can manage them, Johnson’s playmaking upside (especially his knack for turnovers) gives him the profile of a potential cornerstone in a secondary.