Will Johnson‘s slide down the board has come to an end. The Cardinals used pick No. 47 on the Michigan cornerback. 
Johnson was long seen as one of the top defenders in general and cover men in particular in the 2025 draft class. He was thus regarded as a first-round lock for much of the pre-draft process. However, concerns over a knee injury recently opened the door for Johnson needing to wait awhile to hear his name called.
A three-year contributor with the Wolverines, the junior faced high expectations entering the 2024 season. During Michigan’s title run the year before, Johnson proved to be a pivotal figure; the All-American earned Defensive MVP honors in the national championship game. Last year, however, he dealt with multiple injuries and was limited to just six games as a result.
Johnson faced questions about his long speed, and his decision to not run the 40-yard dash at the Combine or his Pro Day furthered concerns on that front. Nevertheless, the potential remains for him to operate as a starting boundary corner at the NFL level based on his footwork and football IQ. He will look to do so upon arrival in Arizona.
The Cardinals ranked mid-pack in terms of passing yards allowed last season. Still, plenty of room exists for upgrading in the secondary, especially after the team addressed the defensive front last night (Walter Nolen). Johnson will join a CB room led by Sean Murphy-Bunting along with recent draftees Garrett Williams, Elijah Jones and Max Melton.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported early today some teams see Johnson as a one-contract player due to his knee issue. The Cardinals are clearly not one of them, but it will be interesting to see how his early NFL career tenure plays out on the health front.