Arizona Cardinals steal Will Johnson in second round of NFL Draft creating a beautiful moment for Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry
The Arizona Cardinals got an absolute steal in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft as they selected former Michigan Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson on Friday night.Once thought to be a top five player in the entire draft class, Johnson somehow dropped all the way to pick 47, potentially giving the Cardinals one of […]
The Arizona Cardinals got an absolute steal in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft as they selected former Michigan Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson on Friday night.
Once thought to be a top five player in the entire draft class, Johnson somehow dropped all the way to pick 47, potentially giving the Cardinals one of the best value selections in years. But beyond the pure football impact side of things, the Cardinals second round selection also created a rather beautiful moment for one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports (Michigan vs. Ohio State).
Shortly after the former Michigan great Will Johnson was selected, former Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and current Arizona Cardinals star posted a picture on Instagram of he and Will Johnson standing across from each other in one of their matchups from college, welcoming him to the team with a handshake.
It takes a lot for any Michigan or Ohio State fan or player to even say the name of the other team out loud, let alone welcome a sworn enemy as a new teammate. It was a simple and sweet gesture from Marvin Harrison Jr. that surprised some fans, but the respect between these two players isn't anything new.
When Marvin Harrison Jr. was coming into the league he talked about some of his toughest matchups in college and always mentioned Johnson. Then this spring when I spoke to Will at the NFL Combine his answer when asked a similar question on his toughest matchups was quickly, "I would say Marvin Harrison."
And that's not all. Following getting drafted on Friday, Johnson said that he and Marvin Harrison apparently played golf together in Arizona this offseason and actually talked about this possibility of linking up playing together in Arizona. It's clear these two players have incredible respect for each other–so much so that they spoke this beautiful Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry moment into existence.
Johnson should fit right in immediately as head coach Jonathan Gannon couldn't stop raving about his intelligence in the post-round-two press conference. Gannon was confident that Will Johnson will be a great fit after he learns the scheme in Arizona. And it certainly won't hurt having a talent like Marvin Harrison across from him in practice every day helping Johnson reach the special potential he flashed at Michigan for three straight years.
Will Johnson Scouting Report
Cornerback, Michigan
Age (Birthday): 22 (03/29/2003)
A to Z Sports Expected Draft Position: 9
Pre-Draft Round Projection: 1
Will Johnson is an elite cornerback talent, despite what all the strange buzz and concern over his long speed might have people think. Johnson was a three-year starter for the Michigan Wolverines team who won a national championship just two years ago. He intercepted or deflected 15% of all targets that came his way throughout his college career. He hasn't allowed a touchdown in coverage since his true freshman season back in 2022.
Johnson has been one of the most consistent shutdown forces on defense in all of college football three years in a row. Even in his injured season (last fall), he ran back two pick-six interceptions for touchdowns prior to missing the back half of the year due to turf toe. Now that he's fully healthy Johnson should be considered a Top 10 talent in the class. – Travis May of A to Z Sports
Career Projection: All-Pro Potential
We'll be back with more Arizona Cardinals and Michigan Wolverines coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
And if you want to see why it was absurd that NFL teams let Will Johnson drop to pick 47 in the NFL Draft just check out his Michigan Wolverines highlights in the video below!
