Wolverine Digest

NFL Draft: Arizona Cardinals select Michigan's Will Johnson in second round

After slipping out of the first round of the NFL Draft, Michigan's Will Johnson finally heard his name called on Day 2.
Chris Breiler|
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Michigan WolverinesArizona Cardinals

One of the biggest surprises on night one of the NFL Draft was the fact that Will Johnson, a guy who was projected as a Top 10 pick for most of his colligate career, slipped out of the first round. Although incredibly talented, Johnson ran into a string of injuries that caused him to miss a good chunk of the 2024 season at Michigan, as well as the NFL Combine and Michigan's Pro Day.

Beyond the turf toe and hamstring issue, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that NFL teams had concerns about an apparent "knee issue" that could prove problematic.

As a result of those concerns, Johnson slipped into the second round of the draft where he was ultimately selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the No. 47 overall pick.

Depending on how Johnson's health holds up at the next level, he could prove to be the biggest steal of the entire 2025 NFL Draft. When healthy, he's got all the makings of future Pro Bowler who can cave out a long and successful career in the league.

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More Michigan News:

2025 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper has two Michigan football selections as 'winners' and 'losers' following Round 1

Draft Grades: Analysts are not impressed with Miami Dolphins taking Michigan football DT Kenneth Grant

Draft Grades: Mixed emotions on Cleveland Browns taking Michigan football DT Mason Graham 5th overall

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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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