The Jacksonville Jaguars could use help at cornerback despite the fact that they signed Jourdan Lewis in free agency. They would surely love to take Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he'll probably be gone at No. 5. Their second-best option would be Will Johnson. However, they might have reservations after his decision to skip a key drill at his Pro Day.
Johnson partook in the Michigan Pro Day, but several outlets report that he opted not to run the 40-yard dash. He did do positional drills and looked good, according to draft analyst Dane Brugler.
Michigan CB Will Johnson worked out for NFL teams this morning. A few notes from scouts in attendance:
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 14, 2025
- No 40-yard dash
- 37" vertical, 4.33 short shuttle
- Above average during positional drills. "Very smooth."
This is telling because there have been questions about Johnson's speed throughout the draft cycle but opted to skip the 40-yard dash in both his Pro Day and the NFL Combine. Having said that, he might've had a valid reason.
Johnson tore toe ligaments last year and suffered a hamstring injury during the combine. In fact, his availability for his pro day was in question because of his hamstring. So even though he ended up working out, there's a chance he might not have been 100 percent.
Aside from the potential injury concern, Johnson's biggest weakness may be the inconsistency of his change of direction and his reaction to double moves. On the other hand, the 2023 First-Team All-American has the size and length to play cornerback in the NFL. Moreover, he can play man and zone coverage.
For his part, Cory Giddins of the Bleacher Report scouting department projects Johnson to go in the first round and argues that he can become a playmaker in the NFL if he fixes some parts of his game.
"Will Johnson projects as one of the top cornerbacks in this year's draft, with the potential to be an impact player early in his NFL career. His combination of size, length, physicality and versatility in coverage make him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme. While he will need to refine his change of direction and reduce his tendency to gamble in coverage, Johnson's ability to disrupt plays both in the air and on the ground gives him a high ceiling."
Why Will Johnson makes sense for the Jaguars in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft
Early in the offseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars were linked to Will Johnson because cornerback was one of their top needs. However, they signed Lewis in free agency, so the front office could wait to address the position until Rounds 2 and 3. Nevertheless, drafting the former Wolvernine shouldn't be ruled out just yet despite the fact that he skipped the 40-yard dash. After all, the benefit didn't outweigh the injury risk.
Sure, Johnson could've shown teams that he's tough and willing to do whatever it takes. Conversely, he could've re-injured his hamstring and spent the offseason recovering. That would, in turn, hurt his draft stock and put his availability at risk. Simply put, he had a reason, even if some clubs don't agree. That said, the Jaguars might get better value if they move back a few spots and then take him.
The New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears hold picks No. 9 and 10, respectively. There's a chance that Johnson will still be on board at that point of the first round, so Jacksonville could switch places with either team and still land him. If they choose to prioritize other positions, though, they'll still have a few options in Round 2. Maxwell Hairstone might be the most appealing of the bunch.
Now, it's uncertain if the Jaguars are interested in Johnson — they've been tight-lipped about their draft plans this offseason — but if they're targeting and think he could give their secondary a boost, his 40-time shouldn't be that much of an issue.