One of the most talented players in the draft is still available to be selected entering the 2025 NFL Draft's second day. Michigan star cornerback Will Johnson is still on the board. I wrote about Johnson yesterday and how I think he'll be a steal if he falls in the draft. I certainly didn't expect it but it happened.
As it was reported during the draft yesterday, Johnson had concerns of a knee injury come up during his draft evaluation that apparently scared a lot of teams off. This, combined with a toe injury last season and a hamstring injury that kept from participating in any pre draft combine drills was enough to scare teams off.
Will Johnson is Undoubtedly an Elite Player
Injuries aside Will Johnson is one of, if not the, most talented player in the 2025 NFL draft. He was a star at Michigan and anchored one of the greatest college defenses of all time. He was an All American at Michigan and a former five star recruit who made an impact from the moment he stepped on campus.
He had so many massive plays during his time at school -- highlighted by interceptions in the 2023 Ohio State and Washington games and a pick-six against USC this year.
Explaining the Injuries
Granted I don't have access to his medical records (I don't want a repeat of the whole Lansing situation from two years ago) but it seems like there isn't much uncertainty about what he's been dealing with.
He reportedly had an Osteochodral Autograft surgery on his knee back in 2023. This is a serious procedure where they transplant part of the bone and cartilage from a healthy knee to the damaged one. Will Johnson also suffered from a turf toe (ligament sprain in the toe) that ended his 2024 season and a pulled hamstring in the past few months.
Why the Injuries Shouldn't be a Big Concern in the 2025 NFL Draft
I don't want to downplay the risk associated with taking a player with injury history, but there are a few reasons if I were an NFL GM I'd be trading into the top of the second round to take Johnson.
First of all, he played a full season and a half since his knee injury and wasn't limited. In fact he was named an All American, a National Champion, and the best cornerback in the country since then all while garnering speculation of being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. There are concerns about longevity, but the talent even with the knee injury is still undeniable.
Second, a turf toe injury isn't that uncommon and usually heals reasonably well. A pulled hamstring on top of that is one of the most common sports injuries, and rarely something that would limit an athlete long-term. So, unless there are further injury concerns that we aren't aware of, Will Johnson's slide seems unwarranted.
Lastly, Johnson attended the draft in person last night. This really leads me to believe that he fully expected to be a first round selection despite the injuries. Sitting in the draft room and not being picked has to be one of the most awkward and uncomfortable moments and I can't imagine that Johnson would have attended had he thought the injuries would scare teams off of drafting him in the first round all together.
Where Will Johnson Could End Up Tonight
The first team that seems likely with a legitimate need at cornerback would be the Las Vegas Raiders with the sixth pick tonight. However, I don't think Johnson is a great fit in Pete Carroll's system as he likes to play a lot of press and man coverage which doesn't play to Will Johnson's strengths.
Personally, I would really keep an eye on the Saints, the Dolphins, and the Seahawks, all of who would be agood scheme fit and Johnson would fill a positional need. It'll be interesting to see if he somehow sticks around to the Los Angeles Chargers pick if Harbaugh can't resist taking him as well. Lastly, I certaintly wouldn't write off a team later in the draft, like the Lions or Ravens, trading up in the second round to take him.
I was shocked last night when he was still available after pick number 32 was read, but I would be absolutely stunned if Will Johnson's name isn't called by the end of the night.