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.
