You've got to feel for Michigan Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson. At one point, it felt like the standout defensive back was going to be a Top 10 pick. However, injury concerns arrived for NFL teams and it led to him not hearing his name called in Round 1.
Eventually, Johnson was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the No. 47 overall pick in the second round. Johnson was of course thankful that Arizona decided to take a chance on him and he'll be ready to make the NFC West side proud.
At the same time, however, you can understand why Johnson is also a bit disappointed with the way things went down for him. He indeed felt like a lock to be a top first-round pick, potentially sneaking into the Top 10. With him dropping to the late 40s, it had him a bit bummed:
New #AZCardinals CB Will Johnson on falling to 47: “I’m definitely frustrated.”
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) April 26, 2025
“I know I’m healthy.”
Will Johnson was frustrated everyone passed on him in the first round
Those are the words of a young man who remains confident that he should not have been a Day 2 selection. Johnson has all the talent in the world. From our chair, yes, he 100 percent should have been a first-rounder. He might even be the best cornerback for his class.
General managers in the league didn't see things that way, which was unfortunate. Adam Schefter reported that GMs were worried about a 'knee issue' with Johnson, which is why he was still available at No. 47 when the Cardinals were on the clock.
Johnson doesn't buy into those concerns, doubling down on the fact that he knows he's healthy and ready to make an impact. While the draft didn't go to plan for him, he can use this draft slide as some fuel to have a strong rookie season with Arizona. At the end of the day, Johnson is still a fantastic talent and he has the potential to be a stud at the next level. Nothing will change that.