Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has been dealing with medical issues for the past several months, starting with a bout of turf toe that sidelined him for the second half of the 2024 college football season. 
A hamstring strain then sidelined him at the Combine and, and he did not run a 40-yard dash at Michigan’s pro day. That has raised questions about Johnson’s long speed and longevity in the NFL.
Those concerns have been further substantiated by “a knee issue that’s been flagged,” per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. It’s not expected to hamper the former Wolverine’s rookie season, but could affect him over the course of his pro career.
Multiple teams have injury concerns regarding Johnson, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, leading to doubt about his eventual draft spot. His college tape largely shows an NFL-ready cornerback with All-Pro upside, making it possible he goes in the first 10 picks. However, the best ability is availability, and teams may not want to roll the dice on a player with medical questions so early in the draft.
Some teams are hoping that Johnson falls into the back half of the first round, where he could be a steal if he stays healthy. At least one executive doubts he will slip that far, per Fowler, arguing that he is too good of a prospect to ignore.
Indeed, Johnson has prototypical height, length, and coverage skills – both physical and mental – to be an early starter on the boundary with long-term potential as a lockdown corner. A healthier pre-draft process and even a respectable 40 time could have solidified his stock in the top 10; instead, he’ll have to hope that his body of work speaks for itself and still makes him a high first-round pick.
hes a bear
Any prospect with an injury history isn’t automatically a Bears player, especially when you think it’s funny by posting this in back-to-back articles.
C’mon PFR — can’t have an article on Will Johnson (CB – MICH)..and a picture of Kaleb Johnson (RB – IOWA)…NOT on draft day!
Shame he’s not Josh Simmons, evidently.
China Doll….handle with care.
Would be interesting to see what the Lions will do if he’s available at # 28…. Don’t see how they can pass on him
It’s the effort and attitude I’d be worried about.