Could the Indianapolis Colts draft Will Johnson? Wait a second, isn’t he a cornerback? That position isn’t one of the team’s biggest needs. However, Rhett Lewis of NFL.com put together a mock draft recently. He has the Colts taking Johnson in the first round (14th overall pick) of the 2025 NFL Draft:
“Johnson is a complicated evaluation: His 2024 season was abbreviated by a foot injury, and a hamstring issue has curtailed his pre-draft process. It reminds me of Derek Stingley Jr.’s situation a few years ago. Each corner had fantastic tape early in college before experiencing an injury-plagued junior season, muddying the prospect profile. Johnson could follow Stingley’s path to stardom, as the latter just earned first-team All-Pro honors.”
Drafting Johnson’s Michigan teammate, Colston Loveland would make a lot more sense. He’s a tight end, which is certainly one of Indy’s biggest needs. Taking a cornerback in Will Johnson, though, would leave most Colts fans scratching their heads.
A Mock Draft Has the Indianapolis Colts Landing Michigan Cornerback Will Johnson
Spotlighting His Career
Will Johnson attended Gross Pointe South High School, located in suburban Detroit. He played cornerback, wide receiver, and punt returner. During his senior year, Johnson recorded 45 tackles, a sack, an interception, and 12 pass breakups. He had a total of 1,302 all-purpose yards on offense.
Johnson then committed to the University of Michigan. In 2023, he helped quarterback J.J. McCarthy and the Wolverines win a national championship, beating the Washington Huskies 34-13. He was named defensive MVP of the game after recording a game-sealing interception in the second half. He was also a First-Team All-American that season.
During his three seasons at Michigan, Johnson was the ultimate ballhawk, racking up nine interceptions (including three pick-sixes) in 32 games. Despite his injuries in 2024, he was still named a Second-Team All-American.
Should the Colts Draft Him?
Will Johnson is one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft. He’s strong, fast, and athletic. Plus, he has the size to match up against big wide receivers. Johnson could wind up becoming a big-time NFL star. And who knows, maybe he’ll be a Hall of Famer.
But should the Colts draft him? The answer is no, and the majority of Colts fans would agree. In the first round, Indy needs to take either Tyler Warren (if he’s still available) or fellow tight end Colston Loveland. Both players would be a dynamic offensive weapon for whoever starts at quarterback (Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones).
If the Colts don’t go the tight end route in the first round, they should draft a linebacker like Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell. The team lost free agents E.J. Speed and Grant Stuard this offseason and hasn’t addressed the position yet this spring.
Again, the Colts drafting a cornerback in the first round isn’t wise. It would’ve been a great move before free agency, but that’s not the case anymore. The Colts signed All-Pro cornerback Charvarius Ward this offseason. The cornerback position is now set with Ward, Kenny Moore II, Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, Sam Womack, and Corey Ballentine.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
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