Will Johnson Drafted By Cardinals After Slide, Says He's Healthy amid Injury Concern

The Arizona Cardinals are hoping they've achieved one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Cardinals snagged former Michigan cornerback Will Johnson with the No. 47 pick of the draft during Friday's Round 2 in Green Bay.

Cardinals wide receiver Marin Harrison Jr. celebrated the pick:

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported during Thursday's first round that Johnson "has a knee issue that has concerned some NFL teams and helps explain why he still has not been selected."

Johnson said after the draft that he was "definitely frustrated" to have fallen to No. 47.

“I know I’m healthy," Johnson said, per Cardinals reporter Darren Urban.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport additionally wrote Friday that Johnson "did not have pain or swelling" in his knee.

Some NFL fans are now convinced the Cardinals have just secured a game-changing corner who should have been a first-round pick.

Johnson was ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect and No. 2 cornerback available on the final B/R 2025 NFL Draft Big Board.

B/R NFL scout Cory Giddings compared him to James Bradberry as a corner with the "ability to disrupt plays both in the air and on the ground."

"With proper coaching and development, Johnson can potentially become a top-tier defensive back in the NFL," Giddings wrote.

Johnson missed time due to multiple injuries during his final season with Michigan, and Rapoport wrote Thursday that teams have "long-term concerns" about Johnson's knee.

The defensive MVP of Michigan's 2023 national championship game win apparently still showed enough dominance in college to motivate the Cardinals to risk a second-round pick to acquire him.

The Cards will now help Johnson is able to return to full health and secure his status as a Round 2 steal in the near future.