Early projections had Will Johnson as a certified first-round pick. Yet, the Michigan cornerback was left waiting until Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft before hearing his name called with the No. 47 pick to the Arizona Cardinals.
As the draft inched closer, Johnson began sliding down boards, with reports claiming there were injury concerns with his knee that were scaring teams away.
Johnson later debunked those reports, claiming he hasn’t dealt with any knee problems in the last two years.
“They were saying things about my knee and all that, and I haven’t really dealt with it in two years, so that’s definitely frustrating, but it’s all good,” Johnson said, via ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss. “I’m at where I’m supposed to be and I’m just happy to be a Cardinal now. I know I’m healthy.”
Johnson also voiced his frustrations over his draft slide, saying he would prove the teams that passed on him wrong.
“Finna go kill, bruh. They going to have to pay for this s--t,” Johnson said. “I promise you. Arizona finna get a dawg.”
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Well, that may have put a pressure cooker under the former Wolverines All-American, as Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson says he’s one of six rookies with the most to prove.
“After a shortened final college season, the Michigan product battled a lower-body injury,” Parson wrote. “And he has not relieved any worries or anxiety after being drafted.
“Johnson has been limited during minicamp due to a hamstring issue, which he dealt with leading up to Michigan’s pro day a few months ago during the pre-draft process.”
Johnson missed seven games for Michigan last year with shoulder and turf toe injuries. Taking that into account, along with his current minicamp limitations, it has to be concerning to the Cardinals brass. Though it can all be relieved if he plays to his potential.
“Staying healthy will be critical for Johnson throughout training camp and preseason,” Parson added. “Make the Cardinals gush with adoration instead of feeling anxiety with buyer’s remorse.”
The Cardinals are expecting Johnson to be ready to go by training camp.