Will Johnson NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Michigan CB

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 202

POSITIVES

— Johnson has excellent length and size with a filled out frame.

— Plays with a patient, controlled backpedal. He flashes quick breaks with little wasted movement.

— He has coverage versatility to play both man and zone coverages, though he looks more comfortable when he is able to see and play the quarterback.

— Plays with anticipation and looks to make a play on the ball. He tries to rip through the catch point when not in position to play the ball.

— Strong tackler who looks to front up ball-carriers, wrapping them up for little extra yards.

NEGATIVES

— Inconsistent breaking with below average change of direction at times. He can get stuck in the mud and struggle with double moves. Allows too much separation when on top of route.

— Has a gambler mentality at times when playing the ball. This often pulls him out of position.

— Too handsy at times when working downfield. This can lead him to losing track of the ball and falling out of phase.

2024 STATISTICS

— 6 Games, 14 Tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INT, 3 PBU

NOTES

— Born Mar. 29, 2003

— Games Started: 32

— 4-Star recruit in the 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: Only played in 6 games due to a turf toe injury

— 2023 CFP National Champion; CFB National Championship Game Defensive MVP; First-Team All-American; First-Team All-Big Ten

— 2022 Freshman All-American

OVERALL

Will Johnson is a standout cornerback prospect from Michigan, bringing a rare combination of size, length, and physicality to the position. Standing at 6'2" and weighing 202 pounds, Johnson has the ideal frame for an NFL cornerback, complemented by a filled-out build that enhances his ability to compete at a high level. His performance in both man and zone coverage and his versatility and aggressive playing style make him a highly-regarded prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Johnson's length and size are key assets in coverage, where he displays a patient and controlled backpedal, allowing him to stay balanced and ready to break on the ball. His ability to play both man and zone coverages provides valuable versatility, though he appears more comfortable when able to keep his eyes on the quarterback and react to the play as it develops. Johnson's anticipation in coverage stands out, as he actively looks to make plays on the ball, often trying to rip through the catch point when he's not in position to intercept. However, Johnson's change of direction can be inconsistent, which sometimes leads to difficulties when reacting to double moves or staying close on top of routes. This can result in allowing too much separation at critical moments. Additionally, his gambler mentality, while occasionally leading to big plays, can also pull him out of position and expose his coverage to risk.

In the run game, Johnson is a strong, reliable tackler who takes pride in his physicality. He excels at boxing in runners and ensuring secure tackles, demonstrating a keen understanding of leverage and pursuit angles. His ability to blitz off the edge adds another dimension to his game, as he shows the ability to bend and disrupt plays in the backfield. Johnson's top-end speed is evident in open-field situations, where he has shown the ability to chase down ball carriers and prevent long gains.

Will Johnson projects as one of the top cornerbacks in this year's draft, with the potential to be an impact player early in his NFL career. His combination of size, length, physicality and versatility in coverage make him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme. While he will need to refine his change of direction and reduce his tendency to gamble in coverage, Johnson's ability to disrupt plays both in the air and on the ground gives him a high ceiling. With proper coaching and development, Johnson can potentially become a top-tier defensive back in the NFL.

GRADE: 8.8 (Impact Player — 1st Round)

OVERALL RANK: 5

POSITION RANK: CB2

PRO COMPARISON: James Bradberry

Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.