2025 NFL Scouting Report: Will Johnson

Prospect Summary:

In recent years, Michigan has been absolutely loaded on the defensive side of the ball with future NFL talent. Thus, it was a real statement of talent for Johnson to see the field as a freshman in 2022. In his debut, he had 27 tackles, three interceptions, and three passes broken up. In his sophomore season, Johnson was the Wolverines’ No. 1 cover corner in helping them to win a National Championship. He totaled 27 tackles with four interceptions and four passes defended. In 2024 Johnson recorded 14 tackles, two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), and three passes defended. In Week 1, Johnson had a critical interception he returned 86 yards for a touchdown. In Week 4, Johnson had a huge 42-yard pick-six to help Michigan get a three-point win over USC. A shoulder injury caused Johnson to be held out against Minnesota, and he left the game against Illinois with a foot injury. In early October, Johnson suffered a season-ending injury.

In the passing-driven NFL, teams are always on the lookout for the No. 1 cornerback who can limit the other team’s No. 1 receiver. Johnson has that ability, and he could be a good starter at the pro level. Johnson is blessed with rare physical talent and has prepared well for the next level.

Johnson has just about everything you could want for the NFL, as he has a tremendous skill set. Johnson is big, strong, fast, and athletic. Johnson has the size to match up against big wideouts and is fast enough to run with speed receivers. In off-man coverage, Johnson can run the route and prevent separation with closing speed from making up on the ground on wideouts after their cuts. However, he is not always consistent and will give up some catches in man coverage.

Johnson is excellent in zone coverage. He has tremendous vision and feel to put himself in good position to cover up receivers and adjust to routes coming into his territory. Johnson also has the size, strength, and speed to be a press-man corner. Along with his physical talent, Johnson is a polished corner that looks pro-ready. He has quality ball skills and will make some big plays.

In the ground game, Johnson is an asset for his defense. He is a willing tackler who will come downhill and throw his shoulder into backs with physicality. That tackling ability makes him a good defender in zone coverage to defend checkdowns to the flat. NFL defensive coordinators will not have to worry about Johnson being a weak run defender at the pro level.

Johnson looks like a future No. 1 corner in the NFL who could be a pro bowler early in his career. He is a legit first-round pick.