Will Johnson, Luther Burden III, Isaiah Bond Top Landing Spots After 2025 NFL Draft R1

The first round of the NFL Draft is in the books and there were a handful of surprising sliders who didn't hear their names called on Thursday.

Along with quarterback Shedeur Sanders, some notable players that fell out of the first round include Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III and Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond.

With Johnson, Burden and Bond still on the board, here's a look at some potential landing spots for the draft hopefuls.

Will Johnson

Johnson was perhaps the biggest slider of the first round, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that a knee injury was a "red flag" as several teams had "concerns about his longevity."

The injury concerns explain why some teams decided to pass on him, but Johnson should still get picked up relatively soon. With that being said, here are a few teams that could pick him up on Day 2.

Arizona Cardinals

Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department projected the Cardinals to take Johnson with the 16th pick in the first round, but Arizona opted to pass on him for Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.

Still, the Cardinals have a need at cornerback and Johnson could fill it. While there's a risk in drafting him because of the injury concerns, taking him in the second round is a safe option that could turn into a home run pick if Johnson's knee injury proves to be a short-term issue.

The Cardinals have the 15th pick (47th overall) in the second round.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins also have a need for a cornerback heading into the 2025 season. The team cut Kendall Fuller and is exploring trade options for Jalen Ramsey, leaving them with a hole to fill.

Miami already added to its defense through the draft, taking Johnson's teammate, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, with the 13th pick.

With the 16th pick (48th overall) in the second round, the Dolphins could take a chance on Johnson and potentially bolster their secondary with one of the best cornerbacks in the draft.

Detroit Lions

The Lions won't draft again until late in the second round, but if Johnson is available, he could be the right fit for Detroit.

The Lions have a talented offense that doesn't necessarily need any help through the draft, but their defense—especially the secondary—showed plenty of flaws last year that Johnson could help with.

It's also worth noting that Johnson is a Michigan product through and through, growing up in Detroit and joining the Wolverines in college. He would be a fan favorite right out of the gate.

Luther Burden III

AP

A year ago, Burden seemed on his way to being one of the top wide receivers in this year's draft class, but struggles during the 2024 season meant he didn't have the same kind of hype coming into the draft.

Still, he has all the intangibles of an NFL wide receiver and could turn into the player many expected him to be if he lands with the right team. Here are a handful of teams that could be right for him.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are a team on the rise with quarterback Bo Nix leading the way, but Denver could benefit from adding a receiver in the draft. With their next pick being the 51st, Burden could be the top wide receiver left on the board.

Burden can be used in a number of different situations from deep balls to goal line situations and even in the run game, and that kind of player would fit well into an offense coached by Sean Payton.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have plenty to address this offseason, and the quarterback position is the priority after Pittsburgh passed on drafting one in the first round.

Still, the Steelers have a need at receiver as well, especially with George Pickens currently being involved in trade conversations.

Pittsburgh doesn't have a second-round pick, but if Burden is available in the third round, the Steelers will likely have a hard time passing up on him.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers wide receiver room got thinner this offseason when the team traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.

San Francisco could also be without receiver Brandon Aiyuk for some of the 2025 season as he recovers from a torn ACL, meaning picking up some depth in the draft could be the right move.

The 49ers will pick 11th in the second round (43rd overall), and that might be the right time to draft Burden if he's available.

Isaiah Bond

AP

Bond appeared due for a big junior season at Texas after transferring from Alabama, but he didn't have the year he expected to have.

With Matthew Golden being the top target for the Longhorns, Bond had just 540 receiving yards and five touchdowns. While his numbers didn't jump off the page, he has some potential, and these teams might be willing to take a chance on him in the draft.

Dallas Cowboys

Drafting a wide receiver was on the table for the Cowboys in the first round, but they opted to get some protection up front by selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker.

Dallas could now add another receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb by taking Bond with their second or third round pick if he's still available.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers make sense for Bond for all the reasons they make sense for Burden.

The wide receiver room is an area to address for Pittsburgh and Bond would be a solid Day 2 pickup. The Steelers would perhaps target Burden before Bond, but if Burden is off the board, pivoting to Bond could be in play.

Kansas City Chiefs

Though the Chiefs managed to make a Super Bowl run in 2024, there was a evident lack of big plays on offense.

Kansas City has some solid pieces in the wide receiver room with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, and adding another speedy wideout could help energize the offense in 2025.

Patrick Mahomes said earlier this week that he wants to see more explosive passing plays this year, and the Chiefs could make him very happy by adding one of the fastest receivers in this year's draft class.