Will Johnson, a cornerback from the University of Michigan, is one of the most promising prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 202 pounds, Johnson possesses an ideal frame for the modern NFL cornerback.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Will Johnson, Michigan
Background
Johnson, a Detroit native, followed in his father’s footsteps by playing cornerback for the Wolverines. As a five-star recruit, he made an immediate impact, playing nearly 500 snaps and starting five games as a true freshman. His collegiate career was marked by consistent production and accolades, including All-American honors and a national championship.
On-Field Performance
Johnson’s stats reflect his playmaking ability. In his freshman and sophomore seasons, he recorded 27 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 3 pass breakups each year. His junior year, though shortened by injury, showcased his big-play potential with two pick-sixes.
Strengths
Coverage Skills
Johnson excels in various coverage schemes, demonstrating versatility that NFL teams covet. He’s particularly adept in off-zone coverage, utilizing a shuffle technique that allows him to read and react effectively. His fluid hips and patient technique enable him to mirror a wide range of receiver types, from shifty slot receivers to bigger outside threats.
Showed instincts almost like he knew what play was being run
Physical Attributes
Johnson’s combination of size and athleticism is rare for the cornerback position. He’s a long-strider who moves smoothly in space, displaying the range necessary to cover large areas of the field. His length is a significant asset, allowing him to disrupt passes and make plays on the ball that other corners simply can’t reach.
Football IQ
Perhaps Johnson’s most impressive trait is his mental acuity. He shows an advanced understanding of route concepts and has the ability to communicate adjustments pre-snap, drawing comparisons to established NFL stars like Stephon Gilmore. This football intelligence allows him to anticipate plays and put himself in position to make game-changing interceptions.
Tackling and Run Support
Despite primarily being known for his coverage skills, Johnson is also a willing and capable tackler. He’s not afraid to get physical in run support, which is crucial for boundary cornerbacks in the NFL.
Weaknesses
Consistency in Press Coverage
While Johnson has shown the ability to play press coverage, his technique in this area could use refinement. Improving his consistency at the line of scrimmage will be crucial for his success against NFL-caliber receivers.
Injury Concerns
Johnson’s junior season was cut short due to a turf toe injury, limiting him to just six games, after which, he quit on his team. While this appears to be an isolated incident, NFL teams will want to thoroughly evaluate his medical history to ensure there are no long-term concerns.
Occasional Over-Aggressiveness
Johnson’s ball-hawking mentality, while generally a positive, can sometimes lead to gambling on plays. This aggressive style can leave him vulnerable to double moves and could be exploited by savvy NFL quarterbacks and route runners.
NFL Projection
Johnson projects as a potential top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ make him an enticing prospect for teams in need of a shutdown corner. Johnson has the potential to be a day one starter and could develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber player by his second season.
His scheme versatility is particularly valuable in today’s NFL, where defenses must be able to adapt to a variety of offensive looks. Johnson’s ability to excel in both man and zone coverages will allow defensive coordinators to be more flexible in their play-calling.
Conclusion
Will Johnson represents the prototype of the modern NFL cornerback. His rare combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence make him one of the most complete defensive prospects in the 2025 draft class. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in press coverage technique and maintaining discipline against crafty route runners, Johnson’s ceiling is extraordinarily high.
NFL teams looking for a potential shutdown corner who can match up with the league’s top receivers will find Johnson an attractive option early in the first round. His performance in big games, including Michigan’s national championship run, demonstrates that he’s capable of rising to the occasion on the biggest stages.
As the NFL continues to evolve into a pass-heavy league, players like Johnson who can disrupt the passing game are becoming increasingly valuable. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Will Johnson has all the tools necessary to become a franchise cornerstone and one of the NFL’s premier defensive backs for years to come.
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