GREEN BAY, Wis. – Michigan Wolverines national championship-winning cornerback Will Johnson was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the No. 47 pick in the second round of the NFL draft on Friday.
Johnson, a Detroit native, left a legacy at the University of Michigan as a cornerback who made big-time plays in big-time games.
The way his instincts kicked in most of the time was reminiscent of another No. 2-wearing cornerback, Sir Charles Woodson, as both players led the Wolverines to national championships.
When healthy, Johnson consistently demonstrated great body control. He was known for changing direction while jumping routes to make house calls against opposing defenders.
The 6′2″ 194-pound phenom was selected as third team Associated Press All-American and was an honorable mention All-Big Ten player during the 2024 season.
Mr. Turnover Buff was tied for the team lead with two interceptions. He also set a school record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns in his Michigan career.
Johnson also tied a school record with two interceptions returned for touchdowns in a single season.
During his Junior season, Johnson started six games acquiring 14 tackles, one tackle for loss and three pass break-up before missing the second half of the season with a foot injury.
Johnson was selected first-team All-Big Ten Conference while leading the Wolverines with four interceptions (One returned for a touchdown).
He also won the National Championship Game Defensive Most Valuable Player award after recording four tackles and one interception, helping the Wolverines to their first national championship since 1998.
Johnson played in 12 games, starting 11 times, and recorded 27 tackles, one tackle for loss, and four pass breakups.
As a freshman in 2022, Johnson made freshman All-American while playing in all 14 games, starting five while accumulating 27 tackles, three interceptions, three pass breakups and two tackles for loss.
Before committing to Michigan, Johnson was a five-star recruit and a top 20 overall prospect nationally.
On a side note, his father Deon Johnson played defensive back for the Wolverines from 1990-1994, winning three Big Ten championships.
