Once considered an ironclad top-10 pick, Michigan’s star cornerback Will Johnson now finds himself in an unexpected free fall. The once-unshakable hype surrounding him has started to crack, and suddenly, his place among the NFL’s elite prospects is no longer a certainty.
Sure, he’s still ranked as the second-best corner in the draft behind Colorado’s Travis Hunter, but there’s a twist—Hunter isn’t just playing cornerback; he’s also moonlighting as a receiver at the next level. That should make Johnson the undisputed top pure corner in this class. But instead of sitting comfortably in that role, he’s watching his stock take a nosedive, thanks to injuries, missed opportunities, and, most recently, a devastating pro-day setback.
A Slippery Slope: How Will Johnson’s Draft Stock is Tumbling
Johnson was supposed to solidify his top-15 status with a strong showing at the NFL Combine. But then came the first red flag—he skipped all drills. No 40-yard dash. No agility tests. No vertical leap. Just interviews and medicals. Not a death sentence for his draft stock, but it certainly didn’t help.
Then came the bigger issue—a lingering hamstring injury. Johnson was expected to use Michigan’s Pro Day on March 21 as his grand stage, his moment to remind scouts why he was once seen as a generational lockdown corner. Instead, he’s been forced to sit that one out too. Two massive opportunities—gone.
With no official workout numbers on record, front offices are left with nothing but tape and potential. And while his film is undeniably elite, the NFL is a business of what have you done lately? With other cornerbacks gaining momentum, Johnson has to fight just to stay in the conversation.
But there’s still hope. According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, Johnson has scheduled a private workout on April 14—his last real shot to convince scouts he’s still the real deal. The question is, will it be enough?
Injury Woes Cast Doubt Over Johnson’s Future
If there’s one thing NFL teams fear, it’s uncertainty. And unfortunately for Johnson, his recent injury history is becoming impossible to ignore.
His college career, once filled with highlight-reel plays and lockdown performances, ended on a frustrating note. He played his last full home game in Week 4 against USC, then managed only three more appearances before bowing out at halftime against Illinois. The timing couldn’t have been worse—Michigan needed him in marquee matchups against Ohio State and Alabama, yet he was nowhere to be found.
Now, teams are asking the tough questions:
- Is Johnson durable enough for the NFL?
- How much has his recent inactivity affected his explosiveness?
- Why didn’t he run at the Combine if he was healthy enough to attend?
For a cornerback projected to be a top-10 pick, these are not questions you want surrounding your name on draft night.
A Draft-Day Wildcard: Can Johnson Still Land in the Top 10?
Despite the setbacks, Johnson’s raw talent still has NFL teams intrigued. Mock drafts continue to feature him prominently, with Bleacher Report’s latest projection placing him at No. 7 overall to the New York Jets.
NFL scout Cory Giddings remains a believer, stating, “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.”
It’s easy to see why scouts love him. At 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, he boasts the size, length, and physicality that every defensive coordinator covets. His instincts are elite, his ball skills are dangerous, and his ability to disrupt both the passing and running game makes him an invaluable asset.
Even in a limited 2024 season, Johnson flashed his talent, snagging two interceptions—one against USC and another against Fresno State. Oh, and let’s not forget—he owns Michigan’s school record for most pick-sixes. The talent? Undeniable. The risk? Now a major talking point.
Giddings, while high on Johnson, admits he isn’t a flawless prospect. “He will need to refine his change of direction and reduce his tendency to gamble in coverage. But with proper coaching and development, Johnson can become a top-tier defensive back in the NFL.”
The talent is there. The production is there. But now, NFL teams need to know—is he still worth the risk?
Unshaken and Unbothered: Will Johnson’s Confidence is Unmatched
While analysts and scouts debate his draft fate, one person isn’t losing sleep over it—Will Johnson himself.
Every year, elite prospects experience what’s known as “prospect fatigue”—a phenomenon where scouts, analysts, and media members get bored of hyping up the same player, searching for fresh narratives. And Johnson? He’s feeling the brunt of it this year.
But if you think he’s worried, think again.
At the NFL Combine, when a reporter questioned his speed, Johnson shut them down with a single sentence: “Have you ever seen somebody run away from me?”
Silence. No response. Because, quite frankly, the answer was no.
Despite not running the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, Johnson remains adamant that his speed and technique speak for themselves. “I’m not participating here, but at some point, I will,” he stated. “I feel like the film talks a lot, too.”
That unwavering confidence is what separates stars from busts. Johnson knows what got him here—his discipline, his preparation, and the elite coaching at Michigan under Sherrone Moore. “Seeing it. Trusting it. And going out and doing it,” he explained, summing up his mindset.
At the end of the day, Johnson isn’t just betting on his talent—he’s betting on himself.
The Verdict: Where Does Will Johnson Land?
Despite the turbulence, Johnson’s name still carries weight in league circles. He remains inside the top 10 in most mock drafts, and barring a disastrous private workout, he’s likely to hear his name called early.
But the uncertainty remains. Injuries have raised red flags. Missed workouts have fueled doubts. And with every passing day, the draft picture becomes murkier.
Will he still go in the top 10? Possibly. Could he slide into the teens? If teams get cold feet, absolutely.
One thing is certain—April 14 will be the biggest day of Will Johnson’s life. If he delivers, he might just lock himself back into that elite conversation. If not? Well, draft night could get very, very interesting.
Buckle up. This ride is far from over.
