For Will Johnson, the journey to the NFL draft was a whirlwind of emotions. With the potential to be a top pick, he found himself surprisingly waiting longer than expected. The Arizona Cardinals might have landed a diamond in the rough by snagging the Michigan cornerback with the 47th overall pick.
In a draft night shocker, Johnson's status dropped, leaving him in the green room as the first round closed. An unanticipated medical concern over his knee was reportedly the culprit. Yet Johnson, a cornerstone in Michigan's defense, remains certain of his abilities, claiming his knee hasn't troubled him in two years. Reflecting the sentiment of many athletes overlooked by initial rounds, he channels his frustration into motivation.
Johnson wasn't one to hold back his emotions. In footage shared from after the Cardinals made their selection, Johnson's reaction was raw and passionate. "Finna go kill, bruh. They going to have to pay for this shit. I promise you. Arizona finna get a dawg," he stated, a declaration sure to resonate with fans eager for his potential impact.
Beyond the whispers of his knee, Johnson's injury history over the past seasons includes a minor setback—a missed game due to a shoulder issue in 2024 and missing the final stretch of games owing to turf toe.
As he looks forward to his professional journey in Arizona, Johnson's fire is undeniable. If his knee truly is no concern, the Cardinals not only have gotten a fierce competitor but also a hungry player ready to prove every doubter wrong.
For teams that passed on him, Johnson's play this season might just serve as a stark reminder of potential overlooked.
