Arizona Cardinals legend Patrick Peterson offered one piece of advice to cornerback Will Johnson ahead of his rookie season.
“Stay patient. Stay patient because it’s a long season,” Peterson told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke. “It’s gonna be a rollercoaster and you have to stay true to your technique and the process.”
The eight-time Pro Bowler had the distinction of announcing Johnson’s selection by the Cardinals at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay back in April. He added that it’s important for Johnson to do his homework before he gets on the field.
“What I notice and I saw as I got older is guys don’t understand how long the NFL season is and how much time we really put in the study room, how much time we are watching film and it matters. Stay patient, be patient and be a student of the game,” Peterson said.
Patrick Peterson praises Cardinals rookie Will Johnson’s skills
Peterson has gotten a good look at Johnson, and while the second-round pick has been viewed as a high-level prospect because of his size at 6-foot-2, it’s his skillset combined with that stature that impresses Peterson.
“The one thing Will is really good at is he plays well with his eyes. A lot of his interceptions came from off (the ball) technique and him breaking on the ball,” Peterson said.
“Intercepting the ball when your back is against the quarterback is probably one of the hardest things to do because not only do you have to find the ball … you are guarding the receiver and then you have to judge it and then make the right judgment when you try to go for the ball.”
Peterson said that Johnson and the Cardinals’ cornerback room will be set up well for success, especially after the team adding Campbell, Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson and Jordan Burch to the defensive front this offseason.
“I know coach Gannon is going to be able to put Will and the majority of those DBs in a position to make plays because now that they have a real solid pass rush. They don’t have to play as much man (coverage) or send DBs as dotted blitzes as much and let those guys up front eat,” Peterson said.
Johnson and the Cardinals kick off their season against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at 10 a.m. MST.
Catch the game on Arizona Sports 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app.