So much of the success (or lack thereof) of a young NFL player's career is dependent upon where they get drafted. How many times have we seen talented prospects fail to produce because they're placed into an impossible situation?
For these rookies, the teammates around them can be crucial. One Arizona Cardinals rookie has the perfect teammate to guide him through the exact situation he faces.
Cardinals rookie Will Johnson can learn from Garrett Williams
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Will Johnson was considered a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class, but he fell all the way to the 47th pick due to injury concerns. In addition to his turf toe injury, teams were [reportedly](https://www.si.com/nfl/takeaways-shedeur-sanders-could-fall-2025-nfl-draft) concerned with the long-term health of Johnson's knee. Johnson was upset about his draft slide, and he [let the NFL know it](https://raisingzona.com/will-johnson-warns-that-teams-who-skipped-him-in-the-draft-will-pay-for-this-s-t-01jtgm1fqpbw).
Johnson is determined to make teams pay for passing on him. He's set to start at outside cornerback in Jonathan Gannon's zone-heavy defensive scheme.
As Johnson begins his NFL career, he has the perfect mentor to guide him through his unique situation.
Back in 2023, the Arizona Cardinals drafted former Syracuse cornerback Garrett Williams in the third round. Williams had the talent to be drafted earlier, but he was recovering from an ACL injury that ended his final collegiate season.
In his first two seasons in the NFL, Williams has quickly become one of the league's best cornerbacks. He finished last season with two interceptions and six deflections. Williams looks like he'll be a staple in the Cardinals' defense for years and could grow into one of the most dominant defensive backs in football.
Sounds like the right guy for Will Johnson to learn from. Now, it's important to note that Johnson and Williams are different stylistically. Johnson will probably play on the outside, while Williams is best in the slot. The mechanics of the two positions aren't exactly the same.
Still, the two young corners will be in the same position group, in the same meetings, and part of the same system. Will Johnson will spend more time with Garrett Williams than he does with almost any other player.
Garrett Williams can guide Will Johnson through the ups and downs of being a rookie, as well as the hardships that come from having your draft stock significantly affected by injuries. If all goes well, these two should help make the Arizona Cardinals one of the best defensive teams in the NFL in the coming years.