Michigan cornerback Will Johnson is on track to be one of the first defenders selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, with a recent projection placing him in a prominent position alongside a current Pro Bowl talent.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 202 pounds, Johnson was a three-time All-American at Michigan. He joined the Wolverines as a five-star recruit under former head coach Jim Harbaugh in the class of 2022. The Detroit native made an immediate impact, earning Freshman All-America honors with three interceptions, three pass breakups, and 27 tackles in his debut season.
Johnson’s sophomore year was exceptional. Michigan went 15-0, securing a national championship, with Johnson earning First-Team All-America and First-Team All-Big Ten honors. He was also named the defensive MVP of the national championship game after setting career highs with four interceptions and three pass breakups.
Despite being limited by a foot injury during his junior year, Johnson still impressed. He appeared in six games, recording 14 tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns. His efforts earned him Second-Team All-America and all-conference honors.
Known for his lockdown coverage and ball-hawking skills, Johnson’s abilities are highly sought after by NFL teams. In a recent mock draft by Josh Edwards of CBS Sports, Johnson is projected to be selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers, potentially making him the first true cornerback taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Panthers, who currently have Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn leading their secondary, could benefit greatly from Johnson’s addition. Horn, in the midst of a four-year, $21.1 million rookie contract, recorded 68 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 13 pass breakups, and an interception this past season. However, Carolina’s defense finished last in the league during a challenging 5-12 season under first-year head coach Dave Canales.
“Jaycee Horn has been a really good player when healthy, and pass rush is a bigger priority,” Edwards noted. “However, Will Johnson has the potential to be the best player to emerge from this draft, and Carolina cannot afford to pass on such talent just to fill another need.”
With the NFL Scouting Combine and interviews on the horizon, Johnson has an opportunity to further boost his draft stock. The 2025 NFL Draft is set to take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where Johnson’s name could be called early, signaling the start of a promising NFL career.
