Wolverine Digest

ESPN NFL mock draft has Detroit Lions selecting Michigan's Will Johnson

The Detroit Lions could be targeting another Michigan Wolverine with their first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Chris Breiler|
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Michigan's Will Johnson was once viewed as a guy who would be a top 5 pick in the NFL Draft. From the second he arrived on campus in Ann Arbor, analysts knew that his combination of size, speed, and athleticism would lead to a long and successful career at the next level. And while all of that is still very possible, Johnson's draft stock has taken a big hit following his final year at Michigan. The primary reason is due to a string of nagging injuries that caused him to miss significant time during the 2024 season.

But even with the nagging injuries and a lackluster junior campaign, Johnson is still projected to go in the first round. On Wednesday, ESPN NFL analyst Peter Schrager shared his one and only mock draft leading up to the event tomorrow. Johnson is among four Wolverines that are expected to go in the first round, but his destination in this latest mock draft has Michigan (and Detroit) fans excited.

According to Schrager's mock draft, the Detroit Lions will select Johnson with their first pick (No 28 overall).

The potential of Johnson going to the Lions has created plenty of intrigue among Michigan and Detroit fans. It would be a similar story to that of Aidan Hutchinson, a guy who grew up in Michigan, played for the Wolverines, and became an impact player with the Lions as a first round pick. If Johnson does take that same path, the expectation is that he would become an impact player in year one for Detroit.

Here's what Schrager had to say about Johnson going No. 28 overall to Detroit:

"Johnson's stock has slipped a bit. He had a foot injury last season and was inconsistent for the Wolverines. He also sat out Michigan's pro day because of a hamstring injury. He's a top-level talent, though, and he'd be the perfect corner to complement Terrion Arnold."

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

Michigan trending to land top 10 QB recruit in 2026 class

CBS Sports NFL Mock Draft has Detroit Lions taking Michigan defender in first round

NFL Draft Shock? ESPN Analyst predicts Michigan star will go earlier than expected

For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:

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Chris Breiler
CHRIS BREILER

Christopher Breiler launched Winged Helmet Media and began covering the Michigan Football program in an unofficial capacity in 2017. He then joined Wolverine Digest as part of the FanNation network in 2021 as a contributing writer, where he served as both a writer and a photographer on game days. In 2024, he took over as the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI. His love for Michigan Football brought him into the industry, and his passion for being a content creator has led to some amazing experiences along the way.

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