NFL draft 2025: Injury concerns keep Michigan CB Will Johnson waiting

Will Johnson will have to wait another day to hear his name called.

Michigan’s two-time All-American cornerback fell out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, with reports citing an unspecified knee injury as giving teams pause.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport both cited the injury on each network’s respective broadcast, explaining the steep fall.

Johnson was on site in Green Bay after receiving an invite from the NFL. Three of his Michigan teammates were drafted on Thursday, leaving Johnson as the odd man out.

The 6-foot-2, 202-pound cornerback was limited during the draft lead up. Johnson skipped drills at the NFL combine and pushed back his pro-day workouts, holding a private session with teams instead of doing it with his Michigan teammates.

Johnson only played in six games this past season, limited down the stretch by what was described later on as a toe injury. He had five pass breakups and two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns, during his shortened season — but didn’t always look like his old self.

Three other cornerbacks were drafted during Thursday’s first round: Colorado’s Travis Hunter (No. 2, Jaguars), Texas’ Jahdae Barron (No. 20, Broncos) and Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston (No. 30, Bills).

Johnson was ranked ahead of them all at one point, with ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller calling him the best player in the draft.

Instead, Johnson — who earned his reputation at Michigan for being a big, physical, play-making corner with nine interceptions — slides to Day 2.

The second round kick offs at 7 p.m. ET Friday, with the third round to follow immediately after.

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