Possible Bengals First Round NFL Draft Target Will Johnson Set to Work Out, Skipping 40-Yard Dash

This is a bit surprising.

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (DB17) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images | Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson will workout for NFL teams on Monday morning, but he won't be running the 40-yard dash.

Johnson will do the short shuttle, broad jump, vertical leap and position drills according to ESPN's Jordan Reid.

Not running the 40-yard dash is an interesting decision, especially with legitimate questions about his long speed.

If Johnson has a successful workout on Monday, he should be the top pure cornerback off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Colorado's Travis Hunter will go ahead of him of course, but Johnson is hoping to beat out Jahdae Barron for the second spot. He's 18th on Dane Brugler's big board.

"Johnson is comfortable in both press and off coverage with the fluid athleticism and route recognition to seamlessly transition or attack the football," Brugler wrote. "He isn't shy about getting physical at the top of routes and in pursuit, but his tackling mechanics and execution need work. Overall, Johnson is more "good" than "great" in terms of twitch and speed, but he has outstanding eyes, feet and coverage IQ to match and make plays on the football. He projects as a day one starting outside cornerback in the NFL."

#Michigan CB Will Johnson is scheduled to workout for NFL evaluators at 10 am this morning inside of the teams indoor practice facility. He’s expected to participate in the shuttle, jumps and position drills, per source.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) April 14, 2025

For more on the Bengals, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and be sure to check us out on your favorite audio platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon.

Make sure you bookmark BengalsTalk.com for the latest Bengals news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

-----

Join the 54,000+ Bengals fans that subscribe to us on YouTube.

Like Our Facebook Page