NFL Draft 2025: Why CB Will Johnson of Michigan could go to Dolphins

AI-assisted summary The Miami Dolphins are in need of a talented cornerback to start opposite of Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey.

Will Johnson, a cornerback from the University of Michigan, is projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and could be a good fit for the Dolphins.

The Miami Dolphins need a talented cornerback to start opposite Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey .

What if the Dolphins use the 13th pick in the next NFL Draft to select Michigan cornerback Will Johnson , who lists Ramsey as one of his Top 3 NFL cornerbacks? "Playmaker," Johnson said of Ramsey at the NFL Scouting Combine.

"Goes out there and gets it done." The Dolphins cut Kendall Fuller after last season, mostly due to injury concerns.

But in free agency, they've seen cornerbacks like Byron Murphy, Charvarius Ward, Carlton Davis, Paulson Adebo and D.J.

Reed sign elsewhere.

The Dolphins need a cornerback to compete with Cam Smith , Kader Kohou and Storm Duck for playing time.

Scouts say Johnson is a big and smooth playmaker.

"Technical, poised and patient," Johnson said of his game.

"Read their body language off the line and have the natural instincts to go get the ball." What is Will Johnson's height and weight? Will Johnson is 6-foot-2, 194 pounds.

Where is Will Johnson from? Will Johnson is from Detroit, Michigan.

How old is Will Johnson? Will Johnson is 21 years old.

What are Will Johnson's strengths? Scouts say Will Johnson possesses the potential to play in Pro Bowls.

"In off coverage, hes very smooth and relaxed," says Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network .

"He doesnt panic, settles on routes and can find/play the ball.

He had an impressive flat-footed read against USC that he turned into a pick-six .

He has the size/length to press and match up with bigger wideouts." Johnson had nine interceptions in three seasons at Michigan, including three returned for touchdowns.

"Teams love big, fluid cornerbacks with ball production and that is exactly what Johnson offers," says Lance Zierlein of NFL.com .

"Hes instinctive and plays with good body control and change of direction in space.

He can play man coverage, but hes at his best when playing with his eyes forward instead of chasing routes downfield.

Johnson displays good pre-snap recognition and can read and anticipate routes/throws at a high level." What are Will Johnson's weaknesses? Scouts say Will Johnson is not a blazing runner nor a prolific tackler.

"He wasnt ultra-aggressive to attack ball-carriers and he was run over multiple times," Jeremiah said.

"He can alleviate any concerns about his speed during athletic testing in the spring." "While he plays the role of thief in coverage, he needs to balance that mentality with a healthy respect for NFL route-runners, as he might lack the recovery speed to close the distance at a desired rate," Zierlein said.

Johnson did not run a 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine nor will he at Michigan's Pro Day.

He plans to hold a private pro day before the draft.

He'll want to show NFL teams he's over injuries to hamstring, toe and shoulder.

"Have you ever seen anyone run away from me?" Johnson asked the combine.

What is Will Johnson's NFL Draft projection? Will Johnson is projected as a first-round pick in the next NFL Draft.

Johnson is Jeremiah's 13th-graded player.

The Dolphins select 13th.

Johnson's is ESPN's 11th-graded player.

Will the Miami Dolphins draft Will Johnson? Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, like most NFL executives, views cornerback as a premium position worthy of investing plenty of money and draft capital.

While Miami also has needs at guard and defensive tackle, it's certainly possible Grier views cornerback as such as vital position that he pulls the lever on best available cornerback at No.

13.

Johnson said he enjoyed his visit with the Dolphins and coach Mike McDaniel at the combine.

"It went very well," he said.

"Coach Mike is a very funny guy." Miami found success with Xavien Howard in the second round in 2016.

There has not been as much cornerback draft success since: Cordrea Tankersley (Round 3, 2017); Noah Igbinoghene (Round 1, 2020) and Cam Smith (Round 2, 2023).

The Dolphins must consider a top-rated offensive lineman if available.

But they must also come up with legitimate competition for Cam Smith as a starting cornerback opposite Jalen Ramsey.

Will Johnson would absolutely fit that bill.

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post .

You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe .

Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter.

Help support our work by subscribing today ..

This article has been shared from the original article on phins, here is the link to the original article.