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Cardinals get steal in CB Will Johnson 47th overall of 2025 NFL Draft

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 8:52 PM ET

GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals get the steal of the 2025 NFL draft in the second round with the selection of Michigan defensive back Will Johnson, who was projected to be a top 10 pick. General manager Monti Ossenfort gets a day-one starter in Johnson, who was crucial for the Wolverines’ 2023 National Championship run.

The reason for Johnson’s slide to the 47th overall pick was with major injury concerns. The 22-year-old missed half of his junior season due to lingering injuries, and through the recent draft process, teams became aware of an apparent knee injury that made front offices hesitant.

Injury concerns surrounding Johnson:

Michigan CB Will Johnson Jr. has a knee issue that has concerned some NFL teams and helps explain why he still has not been selected.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2025

What Johnson brings to the Cardinals:

If Johnson is able to stay on the field and healthy, he is a surefire future Pro-Bowler in this league. His production score at the NFL Combine was second, and has all the physical intangibles to be elite. At 6’2, Johnson has impressive size, but yet insane fluidity in his backpedal and strides downfield to stick with his assignment.

At Michigan, Johnson had nine interceptions and 10 pass deflections and earned Third-team AP All-American in 2024 despite only appearing in six games. His football IQ is unparalleled for a prospect of his age, reading coverage and patience in his technique.

Ossenfort adds Johnson to a Cardinals secondary that needed a bonafide number-one cornerback, and Johnson has the potential to fill that role if he stays healthy. After the draft’s conclusion, many media outlets will have Johnson as the biggest steal of the entire event.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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