Will Johnson Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

School: Michigan

Class: Junior

Position: CB

HT: 6’2

WT: 202 lbs

Background: Will Johnson is a homegrown cornerback out of Detroit, Michigan. Out of high school, Johnson was a 5-star recruit attending Grosse Pointe South High School in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He was a top-5 cornerback in the 2022 recruiting class and the top rated player in the state of Michigan. Johnson is the only player in Grosse Pointe South history to start for varsity in all 4 seasons. He had a prolific senior season playing both sides of the ball as well as being the team’s returner. Johnson was recruited by most major programs, but he chose Michigan over Penn State, Ohio State, USC, and others. His father, Deon, was a part of Big 10 championship teams for Michigan in the early 1990s, which likely played a part in his decision.

College: As a freshman for the Wolverines, Johnson was a special teams ace and key rotational cornerback. He started 5 games where he totaled three interceptions and five PBUs. He was named a Freshman All-American and Defensive Freshman of the Year. As a sophomore in 2023, Johnson started in 11 games. This was his breakout season as he was named an All-American and consensus All-Big 10 First Team member. He also managed 4 interceptions that season. As a senior, he battled injuries but was still named an All-American by every outlet. 

Strengths: Will Johnson is an instinctive cornerback who can dominate in any scheme. He has an extremely high football IQ and seems to see the game a lot better than every other player on the field. He tends to play with a physical demeanor and can bully wide receivers at the break of routes or close to the line of scrimmage. Johnson is a ballhawk and consistently finds ways to either force turnovers or disrupt a play with his hands. He displays great acceleration and instincts to close on the intended target and make a play on the football. In man coverage, Johnson is incredibly sticky and does not allow any separation. His combination of length and speed allow him to stay in step with his assignment.

Weaknesses: Johnson is a willing tackler but he is virtually ineffective as a tackler in open space. His technique can be improved but he can be seen getting run over or just missing a ball carrier. In coverage, Johnson’s eagerness to get physical with his assignment can sometimes backfire. Trying too hard to jam the receiver can result in him losing ground and giving up yards. His hand fighting close to the line of scrimmage could use some work to be more effective in slowing down his opponent.

Conclusion: Will Johnson may be the best defensive prospect in the draft. His intangibles are undeniable and his shortlist of weaknesses are improvable. An instinctual cornerback with physical ability is needed on every winning team. If Johnson can avoid injuries as a pro, it is hard to see a world in which he isn’t a star.

Scheme Fit: Any

Ideal Role: Boundary CB

Best Team Fits: JAX, LVR, NO

Player Comparison: Denzel Ward

Player Grade: Round 1 (95.1)