There are worse things than being drafted 47th overall in the NFL draft. Still, when we look back on the 2025 NFL draft, it will be easy to see that it was way too late for Michigan football cornerback Will Johnson.
The 6-foot-2 cornerback who was talked about as a potential top five pick, before an injury forced him to miss half of the 2024 season, has sure looked the part early in Arizona Cardinals camp.
Johnson has made a few highlight-reel plays already for the Cardinals, including this physical man coverage on Marvin Harrison Jr, the former Ohio State Buckeye who is now his teammate.
🚨Will Johnson Interception🚨 pic.twitter.com/XaMKEEjKEC
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) August 2, 2025
Over the weekend, in a scrimmage, Johnson intercepted a pass. He continues to look like a steal, even as a second-round pick, and in the updated depth chart, the Cardinals have the former Michigan football cornerback listed as a starter.
Will Johnson looking elite for Arizona Cardinals
That doesn't mean that Johnson will start this season for the Cardinals, but they had a need at the position, and he was one of the most NFL-ready cornerbacks available.
Arizona does have Elijah Jones, a third-round pick in 2024 on the roster, along with former Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke. Yet, the job is clearly Johnson's to lose.
Medical issues are why he fell, so he will have to prove that he can stay healthy. But if he's able to play most of the games over the next four seasons, Will Johnson will be a rich man.
The national champion might also have a shot to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, just like Charles Woodson did 27 years ago. That's how good he is when he's on the field.