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In one day from now, former Michigan football cornerback Will Johnson's childhood dream of playing in the NFL is expected to come to fruition.
But which team will select him in the 2025 NFL Draft?
That's the top question for Johnson, who is considered one of the top cornerbacks and overall prospects in this year's draft class according to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and other NFL draft analysts.
As noted by USA TODAY's Nick Brinkerhoff, the reason why Johnson's landing spot in the NFL draft remains up in the air this late in the game is due to his injuries and lack of participation in pre-draft workouts, such as the 40-yard dash.
With that, here's what you need to know about where Johnson is projected to go in the 2025 NFL Draft, along with which NFL team he best fits with along with a scouting report:
REQUIRED READING: Ex-Michigan CB Will Johnson confident 'I'll go to the team that's supposed to pick me'
Here's where NFL draft analysts have Johnson going in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft:
"The Dolphins need a cornerback to replace Jalen Ramsey, who they plan to trade. Miami is thrilled to have a choice here between Johnson and Jahdae Barron of Texas. Miami will look to guard or defensive tackle in Rounds 2 and 3. But corner is their top need. And Miami hopes Johnson can have a Xavien Howard-type career – Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post"
"Cornerback hasn't been an area at which San Francisco has allotted significant draft capital during the John Lynch era. But as the prototype for the position at 6-2 and 194 pounds with superlative ball skills, Johnson could provide a substantial payoff if the 49ers are willing to deviate from their habits."
"There's well-documented roster turnover in San Francisco right now, and Charvarius Ward is among the departures. Renardo Green has one of the outside starting spots, but what will the 49ers do at the other? Could slot guy Deommodore Lenoir move outside? Will new signee Tre Brown earn the role (and stay healthy)? Or could this be a golden chance to land a potential shutdown CB1 in Johnson?
"Johnson missed time last season with a toe injury, and he slid from the top five to No. 12 overall on my Big Board. But the talent is undeniable."
"Johnson is one of the 10 best players in this class, as his excellent ball skills, instincts and 6-foot-2 size all stand out. The Dolphins have a hole opposite Jalen Ramsey, making cornerback a pressing need. And yes, Miami must also address the offensive line, but it can do so on Day 2."
REQUIRED READING: Michigan football is going to pass more this year. Yes, really
"I wouldn’t be surprised to see Johnson go as high as No. 11 to the 49ers, but he might still be on the board in the 20s. He declined to run the 40-yard dash at his pro day and the medicals will be a factor for several teams, but the tape shows a really good football player."
"Despite not running a pre-draft 40-yard dash, Johnson still feels like a top-10 talent in this class to me. He'd bring some much-needed playmaking ability to the back end of Todd Bowles' defense."
Here's a scouting report and NFL comparison on Johnson from USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:
Scouting report:
"Johnson's 2023 tape was outstanding and project as an ideal outside cornerback in the NFL with a mix of athleticism, ball skills and technique. He dropped off in 2024 before a season-ending injury."
NFL comparison: Jaycee Horn, James Bradberry
"Johnson's built similarly to both but with slightly shorter arms. His eye discipline is reminiscent to Horn and his ball production is similar to what Bradberry did at Samford."
REQUIRED READING: Michigan OL Brady Norton used to hate the Wolverines. Now, he's expected to be an anchor
Here's what USA TODAY's Tyler Dragon said is the best fit for Johnson in the 2025 NFL Draft:
"The Raiders need to improve their depth at cornerback. They recently cut Jack Jones after a down year in Las Vegas. The Raiders gave up 29 touchdown receptions and allowed a 96.5 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks; both marks ranked near the bottom of the league.
"New Raiders coach Pete Carroll is accustomed to big and physical corners. He helped architect the “Legion of Boom” in Seattle. Johnson is a 6-foot-2 corner whose play style matches his size. He set a Michigan record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns in his career."
The projection: Las Vegas Raiders
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Will Johnson mock draft: Michigan CB's 2025 NFL Draft projections
Continue reading...
But which team will select him in the 2025 NFL Draft?
That's the top question for Johnson, who is considered one of the top cornerbacks and overall prospects in this year's draft class according to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and other NFL draft analysts.
As noted by USA TODAY's Nick Brinkerhoff, the reason why Johnson's landing spot in the NFL draft remains up in the air this late in the game is due to his injuries and lack of participation in pre-draft workouts, such as the 40-yard dash.
With that, here's what you need to know about where Johnson is projected to go in the 2025 NFL Draft, along with which NFL team he best fits with along with a scouting report:
REQUIRED READING: Ex-Michigan CB Will Johnson confident 'I'll go to the team that's supposed to pick me'
Where will Michigan's Will Johnson go in 2025 NFL Draft?
Here's where NFL draft analysts have Johnson going in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft:
USA TODAY Sports Network Live Mock Draft: Round 1, No. 13 overall to the Miami Dolphins
"The Dolphins need a cornerback to replace Jalen Ramsey, who they plan to trade. Miami is thrilled to have a choice here between Johnson and Jahdae Barron of Texas. Miami will look to guard or defensive tackle in Rounds 2 and 3. But corner is their top need. And Miami hopes Johnson can have a Xavien Howard-type career – Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post"
USA TODAY: Round 1, No. 11 overall to the San Francisco 49ers
"Cornerback hasn't been an area at which San Francisco has allotted significant draft capital during the John Lynch era. But as the prototype for the position at 6-2 and 194 pounds with superlative ball skills, Johnson could provide a substantial payoff if the 49ers are willing to deviate from their habits."
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: Round 1, No. 11 overall to San Francisco 49ers
"There's well-documented roster turnover in San Francisco right now, and Charvarius Ward is among the departures. Renardo Green has one of the outside starting spots, but what will the 49ers do at the other? Could slot guy Deommodore Lenoir move outside? Will new signee Tre Brown earn the role (and stay healthy)? Or could this be a golden chance to land a potential shutdown CB1 in Johnson?
"Johnson missed time last season with a toe injury, and he slid from the top five to No. 12 overall on my Big Board. But the talent is undeniable."
ESPN's Field Yates: Round 1, No. 13 overall to the Miami Dolphins
"Johnson is one of the 10 best players in this class, as his excellent ball skills, instincts and 6-foot-2 size all stand out. The Dolphins have a hole opposite Jalen Ramsey, making cornerback a pressing need. And yes, Miami must also address the offensive line, but it can do so on Day 2."
REQUIRED READING: Michigan football is going to pass more this year. Yes, really
The Athletic: Round 1, No. 23 overall to the Green Bay Packers
"I wouldn’t be surprised to see Johnson go as high as No. 11 to the 49ers, but he might still be on the board in the 20s. He declined to run the 40-yard dash at his pro day and the medicals will be a factor for several teams, but the tape shows a really good football player."
NFL.com: Round 1, No. 19 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
"Despite not running a pre-draft 40-yard dash, Johnson still feels like a top-10 talent in this class to me. He'd bring some much-needed playmaking ability to the back end of Todd Bowles' defense."
Will Johnson scouting report
Here's a scouting report and NFL comparison on Johnson from USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:
Scouting report:
"Johnson's 2023 tape was outstanding and project as an ideal outside cornerback in the NFL with a mix of athleticism, ball skills and technique. He dropped off in 2024 before a season-ending injury."
NFL comparison: Jaycee Horn, James Bradberry
"Johnson's built similarly to both but with slightly shorter arms. His eye discipline is reminiscent to Horn and his ball production is similar to what Bradberry did at Samford."
REQUIRED READING: Michigan OL Brady Norton used to hate the Wolverines. Now, he's expected to be an anchor
Will Johnson's best 2025 NFL Draft fit
Here's what USA TODAY's Tyler Dragon said is the best fit for Johnson in the 2025 NFL Draft:
"The Raiders need to improve their depth at cornerback. They recently cut Jack Jones after a down year in Las Vegas. The Raiders gave up 29 touchdown receptions and allowed a 96.5 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks; both marks ranked near the bottom of the league.
"New Raiders coach Pete Carroll is accustomed to big and physical corners. He helped architect the “Legion of Boom” in Seattle. Johnson is a 6-foot-2 corner whose play style matches his size. He set a Michigan record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns in his career."
The projection: Las Vegas Raiders
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Will Johnson mock draft: Michigan CB's 2025 NFL Draft projections
Continue reading...
