Michigan CB Will Johnson makes confident statement despite his NFL Draft stock inexplicably falling after the NFL Combine
Every single year during NFL Draft season it seems that analysts around the sport get "prospect fatigue" with certain top players and begin to drop elite talents slightly down their big boards. If you're unfamiliar with the concept, it's quite simple. Essentially, some players have been so good for so long that people just simply […]
Every single year during NFL Draft season it seems that analysts around the sport get "prospect fatigue" with certain top players and begin to drop elite talents slightly down their big boards. If you're unfamiliar with the concept, it's quite simple. Essentially, some players have been so good for so long that people just simply get bored and look around for new shiny interesting prospects to rank over them.
That's exactly what's happening with Will Johnson this spring as the 2025 NFL Draft nears.
Despite Johnson entering last college football season as the clear number one cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft, snagging two more pick-six interception touchdowns, and posting a few more weeks of perfect coverage for Michigan his stock has been inexplicably falling in recent weeks (as you can see below in the image that reflects large sample mock draft data).
Falling from consensus fifth overall to ninth may not seem like much of a drop (yet), but the most recent mock draft data and largely baseless sentiments echoed throughout NFL Combine week on him have many dropping Johnson even further into the first round of the NFL Draft.
Why?
Surprisingly, when I was at the NFL Combine last week many analysts and media members that I spoke to all of a sudden expressed some concerns about Johnson's long speed. Buzz about those concerns began to surface heading into Combine week but when I sought out to find the real source of those worries with folks from NFL teams nobody could tell me where they came from.
When asked about his speed questions at the NFL Combine, Will Johnson had this to say: "Have you ever seen somebody run away from me?" It was a strong, simple, confident statement in the form of a question that not a single media member or analyst at the NFL Combine had a good retort to for Johnson.
Johnson clearly wasn't having it with the newfound questions on his speed. And while he did confirm initial plans to run at his pro day, unfortunately we won't get to see him silence the doubters now due to a nagging hamstring issue.
Given that Will Johnson won't be able to officially dispel the doubts with his long speed at the upcoming Michigan pro day we can likely expect there to be even more buzz and "concern" as his NFL Draft stock continues to inexplicably slide.
However, real Michigan fans and NFL Draft analysts who have been watching Johnson play at an elite level for three years know he's a top tier talent worthy of early first round capital.
Shortly after my fellow media members embarrassed themselves with the speed questions I asked Will about his anticipation, technique, and the things that sets him apart in this class. He was much more excited to talk through that and also shared how Michigan, Coach Sherrone Moore, and others helped him become the player he is now.
"Yeah, I would say [all my success] comes from preparation, film study, trusting my technique, trusting what I see throughout the week. Seeing it. Trusting it. And going out and doing it…My height, length, athleticism, patience, technique. My height [and length] helps me out because I still can be patient, still can have technique, and the height allows me to use [all my skills] a little bit better…Michigan prepares us just by–we always focus on the details and discipline. And we do that every day. Doing that every day over time, being consistent. You've got to show up, be consistent, handle yourself like a pro, and that will take you a long way."
Despite all the negative nonsense on his speed, Johnson showcased confidence, professionalism, and made sure to emphasize that he just wanted his film and work ethic to speak for themselves now as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
Hopefully the prospect fatigue wears off and NFL teams realize that he is still very much the best natural perimeter cornerback in the draft class. Three straight years of allowing a passer rating below 50 when targeted, excellent tackling, prototype size and length, and somehow underrated speed will remind everyone of this very soon.
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If you want reflect on the incredible career that Will Johnson had at Michigan to see why he most definitely should be an easy early first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft just check out his highlights in the video below.
