Will Johnson – Cornerback – 22 years old – Junior – Michigan
Size: 1.88m
Weight: 88kg
Stats 2024: 14 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 touchdowns
Estimated position in the draft: Top 15
NFL comparison: Jaycee Horn
It would be the number one corner of this draft class if there was not the UFO Travis Hunter. Recruit Star of Michigan during his Freshman season, Will Johnson quickly became one of the most fearful cornerbacks in NCAA. Holder during her three academic years, champion in 2023 and defensive MVP of this match, his career with the Wolverines is exemplary. It is up to him to confirm in NFL, facing another caliber of recipients.
Strengths
- Perfect physical
- Technical
- Reading
Large, strong, but light, Will Johnson seems straight out of a laboratory for cornerbacks. He has the perfect physique for this position in the modern NFL. Its size and length of arms allow it to be a player made for the zone blanket. Fluid in its trips, it can quickly change direction to adapt to the proposed game and the receiver's layout.
Technically very reliable, he knows how to do everything on the defense against the pass. Naturally gifted for the area, he can play man if necessary, even if progress is necessary in this area.
Will Johnson is a very intelligent player, who understands the game. Attentive to what is happening around him, he keeps an eye on the quarterback, and is able to anticipate what the opposing attack will do. His reading of the game allowed him to carry out several interceptions, including two returned to touchdown in 2024. An instinctive player, capable of carrying out decisive actions.
Weak points
- Use of his hands
- Tuning in one-of-one-one
- Wounds
At the university level, the overwhelming majority of recipients he faced were less strong than him. Sometimes, therefore, he left a little too much distance between him and his direct opponent, to be able to anticipate the quarterback game. It sometimes led to a slight delay, and he filled using his hands too aggressively. In NFL, the receivers are much better, and the referees much less permissive.
On the ground game, Will Johnson has shown that he has physical qualities to tackle runners often more strong than him. In a collective effort, he knows how to finish the games. However, in one, with the free field, there are still too many tackles.
Wounded at the foot in early October, Johnson has not played since. During the combination, he did not participate in the workshops. Expected during Michigan's pro Day, he could not show himself, touched at the hamstrings. In what physical state will he be in September? Will these injuries affect future years? So many questions that franchises are necessarily asking.
Possible destinations
San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals
Without a doubt, Will Johnson is the best pure corner of this cuvée. Author of a remarkable career in Michigan, his name should resonate early on the first day of the draft. Technically ready, still young but experienced, many franchises will look at his case. His ability to make big games (three career picks), while being a safe player (no touchdown cashed over the last two seasons) make Johnson a coveted corner.
A team never has too many good cornerbacks in its workforce. If the light is often put on rushers pass, which make stats, a corner which collects few receptions is just as precious. Will Johnson is part of this category. Teams in need of a safe player outside should seriously consider the Johnson option.
