NFL Draft Spotlight: Analyst Flags Critical Issue with Will Johnson's Game

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When Bragging Rights Meet the Football Field

As Kelvin Gay, a best friend who playfully likes to tussle over college football allegiances, once reminisced, the true spirit of rivalry isn’t just about the game—it’s about the joy, the banter, the sheer youthful vigour that comes with “trash-talking” your best friends. But when the University of Michigan takes to the field, the stakes aren’t just about bragging rights between buddies on the couch. It’s about the draft, careers, legacies, and of course, the Tom Stephenson’s of tomorrow who dream of playing in the big leagues.

To quote the great Kevin Dohertzy, “The draft, it isn’t just a spectacle, it’s the culmination of dreams, hopes, and athletic prowess meeting the pro ranks.” And as we move closer to the 2025 NFL Draft’s opening salvo, Michigan’s standing as a football factory stands unchallenged yet not without controversy. Imagine, if you will, the heart-stopping drama as four (count ’em four!) Wolverines are projected to have their names called with deep anticipation on Thursday. “Four players in the first round, not bad for a school not named Alabama,” I muse as I sip on my morning coffee, quietly enjoying the anticipation of the draft day extravaganza.

Yet amidst the echoes of potential glory, there’s a subplot to this story, one of uncertainty about one standout defender. Could the whims of fate and the recent injury concerns suddenly shift our gears to trifold and alter the prospects of Will Johnson? Once cradled with shout-outs previously compared to none other than Patrick Surtain, the cornucopia of talent Michigan produced now has murmurings of decent, whisperings of doubt. And amidst my usual rant about how Pawn Stars can teach you more about life and business than any MBA program, I’m led to ponder what exactly has the draft bible diviners so skittish about Johnson?

The answer lies not in the complexities of defense or sheer determination to overcome the battles against elite receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. or Rome Odunze. No, it’s about the tape, that unforgiving relic of athletic performance that lays bare the truth… or so we believe.

So, strap in, dive deep, and let’s unravel the enigma of this once seemingly unassailable Michigan stalwart. Will the story of Will Johnson become an enigmatic tale of “what could’ve been,” or will teams with a risk-tolerant appetite for a player of his caliber, his pedigree, unearth a gem where others see risk? Fortunately, we’re not left in suspense for long; the hallowed NFL Draft will soon reveal the answer…

As the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night, the University of Michigan football program stands to make a significant impact.

Four Wolverines—Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Colston Loveland, and Will Johnson—are projected to hear their names called on Thursday.

While the defensive tackles and tight end continue to climb draft boards, cornerback Will Johnson has experienced a noticeable decline in his projected position.

NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell addressed specific concerns during an appearance on The Ross Tucker Podcast that might explain this downward trend.

“In 2023, I thought that there were some similarities to Patrick Surtain,” Cosell said. “In 2024, in the games in which he played, unless he was hurt in those games as well, he did not look like the same player on tape.”

“In 2023 I thought that there were some similarities to Patrick Surtain…

… 2024 in the games in which he played, he did not look like the same player on tape.”@GregCosell shares some concerns he has with Michigan CB Will Johnson: pic.twitter.com/FXOpKuNuit

— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) April 24, 2025

Once considered a lock for the top ten, Johnson has been sliding in recent mock drafts.

Health issues limited the standout cornerback to just six appearances in his final collegiate campaign.

Johnson’s absence from both the NFL Combine and Michigan’s pro day raised additional questions, and despite recently holding a private workout for teams, draft analysts remain cautious about his prospects.

His credentials, however, tell a compelling story. Johnson earned All-American recognition twice during his Michigan career and built his reputation by neutralizing elite receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze.

His playmaking ability translated to the scoreboard as well, with three interception returns for touchdowns setting a program record.

Therefore, teams with picks outside the top ten might have an opportunity to select a prospect with genuine blue-chip talent.

The post Analyst Reveals Glaring Concern About Will Johnson Ahead Of NFL Draft appeared first on The Cold Wire.