Potential landing spots for Michigan’s Johnson | 2025 NFL Draft film review
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Michigan CB Will Johnson returned three interceptions for touchdowns in his career.
Former Michigan cornerback Will Johnson could be a fit for a number of teams on draft night. The first-round prospect’s versatile game profiles well for a number of organizations.
Here are eight teams who could target Johnson on the first night of the 2025 NFL Draft:
Las Vegas Raiders (No. 6 overall)
The Raiders lost one of its top cover guys -Nate Hobbs- to the Packers in free agency. Hobbs, a 38-game starter over four seasons, missed time due to injury in 2024. When available, he was very effective. Second-year man Jakorian Bennett was serviceable as a seven-game starter, as was rookie Decamerion Richardson. However, in a division featuring Rashee Rice (Chiefs), Courtland Sutton (Broncos) and Quentin Johnston (Chargers), adding even more size with Johnson could be a move in the right direction.
New Orleans Saints (No. 9 overall)
The Saints lost one of the top corners in free agency in Paulson Adebo (Giants). As of press time, Isaac Yiadom is the current outside starter opposite second-year man Kool-Aid McKinstry. Yiadom has started 33 games in seven seasons for six different teams. Nickel back Alontae Taylor ranks as one of the league’s best young defensive backs. Johnson’s potential addition in the back end would help the team match up better in terms of size against the Buccaneers and Falcons.
Miami Dolphins (No. 13 overall)
This team has been linked to an offensive lineman in the first round. But they drafted Patrick Paul in the second round a year ago and still need to find out if he can replace the since-retired Terron Armstead. Plus, there will be quality talent available in Rounds 2 and 3 to compete with Paul and incumbent right tackle Austin Jackson. Two of the more pressing needs could be on defense. Edge rushers Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb have been in-and-out of the lineup the last two seasons due to injury. At corner, the clock is ticking on third-year cornerback Cam Smith. In two seasons, Smith has yet to start a contest. Currently, Miami enters the season with Jalen Ramsey and Storm Duck (who flashed a year ago) as starters on the perimeter.
Los Angeles Chargers (No. 22 overall)
This should rank as a no-brainer selection. Former Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh has intimate knowledge of Johnson. If Johnson falls to the third corner taken in the first round, he could become a fine matchup player in the division (see Raiders above). Adding Johnson to a well-rounded group that includes free agent signees Benjamin St. Juste and Deonte Jackson improves the team’s already formidable pass rush.
Green Bay Packers (No. 23 overall)
The Packers have experienced a mass exodus at cornerback in free agency, losing the likes of Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell. Johnson’s long speed ranks as one of the biggest question marks he faces heading into this year’s draft. Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley uses a number of single-high looks and many of those are of the three-deep variety. Johnson has operated in NFL-style schemes in back-to-back years under former Ravens defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and current Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald.
Minnesota Vikings (No. 24 overall)
In terms of question marks, how would Johnson fit in Brian Flores’ multiple schemes? There will be a number of one-on-one isolation situations in the blitz-heavy packages. His feel for the disguise element, however, could make him the perfect complement to Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy. Murphy, too, had question marks regarding his recovery speed (4.55) coming out of Washington back in 2019.
Los Angeles Rams (No. 26 overall)
The Rams would likely sprint to the podium if Johnson were still on the board at pick No. 26. The former Wolverine operated behind an athletic front seven in Ann Arbor and the Rams consistently create havoc up front. Could Johnson be the team’s final piece on the defensive side of the ball? He would immediately push some of the team’s current corners for starting duty in Year 1.
Buffalo Bills (No. 30 overall)
Of all the teams on this list, the Bills might be the ideal match for Johnson’s best attributes. With its heavy use of zone coverage, the former Wolverine could use his eye speed in off-man or zone coverage. His ability to read the body language of the quarterback flashed against USC in Week 4 of the 2024 campaign. Defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale brought five men on a fire zone pressure concept. Johnson (reading the second receiver) jumped the out pattern by the No. 2 slot receiver as the safety matched the outside wide receiver. The subsequent 42-yard interception return for a score was his second pick-6 of the season.
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