News Summary
The Arizona Cardinals have bolstered their roster by selecting cornerback Will Johnson with the 47th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite medical concerns that affected his draft position, Johnson has garnered praise from teammates and coaches for his potential. As the only member of the 2025 draft class yet to sign, he is expected to step into a starting role amid the team’s defensive renovations. Johnson’s impressive college performance, resilience against injuries, and size make him a promising addition to the Cardinals’ defense.
Arizona – The Arizona Cardinals have added a promising talent to their roster after selecting cornerback Will Johnson in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 47th overall pick. Johnson’s draft position was notably influenced by medical concerns related to his knee, which caused him to slide down the board despite being considered one of the top cornerback prospects available.
Following his selection, Johnson received admiration from his teammates and coaching staff. Michael Wilson, a fellow teammate, expressed praise for Johnson’s commitment and seriousness towards the game during a broadcast on Arizona Sports’ 98.7 FM. Head coach Jonathan Gannon revealed that several defensive coordinators were excited about Johnson’s potential as a player immediately after he was drafted.
Currently, Johnson is the only member of the Arizona Cardinals’ 2025 draft class not to have signed a rookie contract; however, this is expected to be resolved ahead of the training camp, which is set to begin in July. With the departure of former Cardinals player Sean Murphy-Bunting, there is a strong likelihood that Johnson may step in as a starter at boundary cornerback from the onset of the season.
College Performance and Injury History
Prior to entering the NFL, Johnson had a distinguished collegiate career at Michigan, where he was once viewed as a five-star recruit. His final season was marred by knee and shoulder injuries that limited him to just six games; nonetheless, he still managed to record two interception returns for touchdowns. This resilience and ability to perform under duress have contributed to the high expectations surrounding him as he transitions to the professional level.
Projected Impact and Defensive Rejuvenation
Johnson’s skill set has drawn positive analysis from industry experts, with assessments from NFL.com identifying him as a likely impactful newcomer for the Cardinals’ defense this season. His ball-hawking abilities are expected to play a crucial role in the team’s defensive strategies, especially as the Cardinals are in the midst of a defensive renovation. They have fortified their lineup by adding key veteran players such as Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell, and Dalvin Tomlinson.
Standing at 6’2″, Johnson possesses the prototypical size for a cornerback and is highlighted as an ideal fit for the Cardinals’ zone-heavy defensive scheme. His physical attributes combined with his track record make him an enticing addition as the team looks to enhance its defensive performance in the upcoming season.
Future Prospects and Mindset
As training camp approaches and Johnson prepares to join his teammates, he remains optimistic about his knee health, expressing confidence that it is “all good.” He is determined to showcase his talent and prove any skeptics wrong as he embarks on his professional career.
In addition to his on-field abilities, Johnson has cultivated a significant social media following, indicating his potential to connect with fans and engage with a broader audience. His journey from a five-star recruit to an NFL rookie has been met with excitement and anticipation, underscoring the belief that he can significantly contribute to the Cardinals’ aspirations moving forward.
The Arizona Cardinals, armed with fresh talent and renewed ambitions, are enthusiastic about integrating Will Johnson into their defensive lineup, believing that his capabilities will bolster their performance in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Sports Illustrated: Will Johnson’s Rookie Performance
- Arizona Sports: Will Johnson Analysis
- Athlon Sports: Will Johnson’s Message
- AZ Central: Video Breakdown of Will Johnson
- Cards Wire: Michael Wilson on Will Johnson
- Wikipedia: Will Johnson
- Google Search: Will Johnson Arizona Cardinals
- Google Scholar: Will Johnson Cardinals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Will Johnson
- Google News: Will Johnson Arizona Cardinals
