The 2025 NFL Draft will begin on April 24, and to prepare for that, we need Vikings fans to be fully prepared in every way. Of course, we will cover players the Vikings will need, but it is important to go beyond that.
In the case of this cornerback report, we will cover the position here at Vikings Wire because the team needs some better talent at the position.
The Vikings have found some short-term solutions with a plethora of free-agent signings during training camp, the biggest being Stephon Gilmore. The team drafted Khyree Jackson last year, who tragically lost his life when his car was hit by a drunk driver. He would be set up for a ton of success in this Brian Flores defense, but without him, they need to draft another cornerback in 2025 because the team needs to find some youthful playmakers to inject into the group.
With that in mind, here is a cornerback prospect who could don a Vikings uniform next season.
Player Information
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Michigan defensive back Will Johnson celebrates a touchdown after intercepting USC quarterback Miller Moss during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
Player: Will Johnson
School: Michigan
Year: Third-Year Junior
DOB (Age when drafted): March 29, 2003 (22)
Height (unofficial): 6-2
Weight (unofficial): 202 lbs.
Player Background
Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) tries to bring down Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
- 5-star recruit according to 247 Sports
- All-State selection in high school
- Freshman All-American in 2022
- 2x All-American (2023, 2024)
Career Stats from Colorado
Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates a touchdown after intercepting USC quarterback Miller Moss (7) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
Games Played: 32
Tackles: 57
Tackles for a Loss: 4
Pass Deflections: 10
Interceptions: 9
Notable PFF Numbers from the 2024 season
Sep 14, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) pursues a play against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Run Defense Grade: 73.7
Coverage Grade: 76.7
Defensive Stops: 9
Yards Per Reception When Targeted: 12.2
QBR When Targeted: 52.6
Player Strengths
Sep 14, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves wide receiver Courtney Jackson (9) makes a reception in front of Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
- Excellent in man coverage, fluid hips to be able to adjust to cuts within routes
- Good quickness and burst to close on the ball in the air and on the ground
- Good awareness to make plays in both the run and pass game
- Has great length to breakup passes and to be able to jam wide receivers at the line
- His instincts will often put him in position to make a play but at the very least he is able to take away a receiving option from the defense
Trait Grades
Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against Fresno State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.
Man Coverage: 7.5
Quickness/Burst: 8
Zone Coverage: 8
Ball Tracking: 7
Instincts: 7.5
Awareness: 8
Run Defense: 7
Versatility: 7
Size/Length: 8
Tackling: 7
Player Summary
Michigan defensive back Will Johnson prays before kickoff against Washington in the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
Will Johnson is everything you want in an NFL cornerback, especially one you want to tab as “the guy.” He does a great job being in a position to make a play, and his instincts furthermore put him and the defense in positions to stop plays before they develop. Johnson showcases his length, fluid hips, and footwork, which allow him to be reliable in man coverage and stick with his receiver. He isn’t going to lead the league in interceptions, but he will be able to take away one half of the field for you on defense. Those who target him could be playing with fire, as we discussed with his instincts above.
Grade: 7.5
Projected Role: Year 1 Starter
