Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson was listed by ESPN’s Matt Miller as a rookie of the year candidate ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Miller has Johnson fourth on his list, behind New York Giants EDGE Abdul Carter, Denver Broncos corner Jahdae Barron and Baltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks. He said that Johnson has the skills to be a key contributor for the Cardinals this season.
One of the biggest surprises in the draft was when Johnson fell to the 47th pick. Injuries during his final season at Michigan and throughout the predraft process affected his stock, but his talent and tools were enough to have him ranked as my No. 1 pure cornerback in the class (Travis Hunter not included). Johnson fills a need in Arizona as an outside corner who has the height (6-foot-2), speed and instincts to be a playmaker.
Johnson had a solid college career in three seasons at Michigan, registering 68 total tackles and nine interceptions. He won a national championship with the Wolverines in 2023 and was named the defensive MVP in the College Football Playoff title game against Washington.
In his final season with Michigan, Johnson registered two interceptions but was limited to just six games due to a turf toe and shoulder injuries. Some speculated that Johnson had a knee issue in 2024 that might have played a part in him falling to the second round in this year’s draft. However, Johnson debunked that theory in an article on The Player’s Tribune, saying he had knee cartilage removed in 2023 and the turf toe injury made him miss time.
Johnson joins a youthful cornerback room in Arizona that includes third-year pros Garrett Williams and Kei’Trel Clark, second-year corner Max Melton and rookie Denzel Burke. He will look to be a key player in a cornerback room that has already been dealt a few blows before Week 1, including Sean Murphy-Bunting and Starling Thomas V being put on the injured reserve with season-ending injuries.
The Cardinals start their season on the road against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 7.