Will Johnson was an important piece of Michigan's national championship team in 2023, but the cornerback did not have the same kind of impact in 2024.
Johnson missed significant time in his junior season due to injuries, first with a shoulder problem and then with turf toe, which ultimately ended his season. He decided to forego his senior season and enter the NFL Draft anyway.
Johnson is one of the most talented prospects in the draft this year, but teams are questioning his ability to stay on the field. He also missed Michigan's pro day due to a hamstring injury, making it even more difficult for teams to evaluate him. Johnson would be a slam dunk to go in the top 10 if not for the question marks about his durability long term, and he has been sliding down the draft boards of some analysts.
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The Sporting News' mock draft has Johnson going to the Dolphins to provide depth for an uncertain secondary. Other mock drafts have Johnson going as low as No. 28 to the Lions.
Which team will select Will Johnson? Here's what to know about his injury history.
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Will Johnson injury timeline
Johnson played in 26 games across his first two college seasons and was named a first-team All-American as a sophomore. But as a junior, he played in just five games.
Johnson suffered a shoulder injury in Michigan's fourth game of the season against USC and exited early. He missed the Wolverines' next game against Minnesota before returning against Washington.
The next week against Illinois, Johnson sustained a toe injury on the first drive of the game and did not return. It was later discovered Johnson had turf toe, which kept him out for the rest of the year.
Johnson participated in drills at the NFL Combine, but he picked up a hamstring injury ahead of Michigan's pro day and was ruled out. Johnson held a private workout on April 14 after recovering.
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Will Johnson draft projection
Draft analysts are all over the map with Johnson. Some have him being selected in the top 10, while others have him going significantly after that. Here's where Johnson is being taken in some of the expert mock drafts.
- Peter Schrager: No. 28, Detroit Lions
- Todd McShay: No. 19, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Bucky Brooks: No. 9, New Orleans Saints
- Chris Simms: No. 13, Miami Dolphins
- Vinnie Iyer: No. 13, Miami Dolphins
- Dane Brugler: No. 23, Green Bay Packers
- Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates: No. 13, Miami Dolphins
- Daniel Jeremiah: No. 15, Atlanta Falcons
Will Johnson college stats
Johnson was a lockdown corner in his first two years at Michigan, earning All-America honors and winning the defensive MVP award for the national championship game in his sophomore season. He was having an electric junior season as well before his shoulder injury, returning both of his interceptions for touchdowns. Johnson's 128 interception return yards still led the Big Ten, despite him playing in only six games.
Here's a closer look at Johnson's college stats.
| Season | Team | Year | TOT | Solo | Ast | Pd | Int | Yds | TD |
| 2022-23 | Michigan | FR | 27 | 25 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 29 | 0 |
| 2023-24 | Michigan | SO | 27 | 20 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 80 | 1 |
| 2024-25 | Michigan | JR | 14 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 128 | 2 |
| Career | 68 | 57 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 257 | 3 |