PFF chooses Michigan elite CB returning to college football in 2024

Will Johnson has already done a lot during his time at Michigan.

However, the rising junior, former five-star recruit, and projected 2025 first-round NFL Draft pick hopes to build on his exploits this fall, and at least one outlet believes he will.

Will Johnson has already done a lot during his time at Michigan. Freshman All-American, first-team All-Big Ten cornerback, All-American (according to SI), Big Ten champion twice, and, of course, national champion.

However, the rising junior, former five-star recruit, and projected 2025 first-round NFL Draft pick hopes to build on his exploits this fall, and at least one outlet believes he will.

Last Monday, the football analytics website Pro Football Focus named Johnson the greatest cornerback returning to collegiate football in 2024.

“Johnson immediately lived up to his five-star billing, posting a 91.1 grade in man coverage as a true freshman in 2022 to lead all Power Five cornerbacks,” PFF noted in its report. “He followed that up with a 29.1 passer rating in his coverage as a sophomore, ranking fifth among all cornerbacks in college football.” Johnson allowed only three catches on six targets against Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze this season, while also intercepting one.

“At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, he possesses all the physical characteristics you’d look for in a cornerback, including exceptional speed, footwork, and ball skills. If he were eligible for selection in 2024, he would be the first corner off the board. He would also have been the first one abducted in 2023. Johnson has the makings of a fantastic cornerback prospect who will most likely be drafted in the top five next April.

Johnson, a former top-20 recruit, has performed admirably in his first two collegiate seasons. He has made 54 tackles, three for loss, seven interceptions, and seven pass breakups. This past season, he surrendered 17 receptions for 267 yards on 38 targets. Last season, Johnson had the second highest quarterback rating allowed among 226 FBS cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. In top-10 games against Ohio State, Alabama, and Washington, Johnson allowed five receptions and 93 yards on 13 targets, with two interceptions.

Johnson was awarded first-team All-Big Ten by coaches and media, first-team All-American by Sports Illustrated, and second-team All-American by The Athletic and USA Today.

Now, he leads a secondary that has lost several key players, including Mike Sainristil, Josh Wallace, Keon Sabb, and Rod Moore, who is most likely out due to injury. As he begins his third season, Johnson is motivated by the potential to lead the defense.

“I think just trying to be a better leader on this team this year, being more vocal,” Johnson said last week. “Tightening down on things that have always been rather standard. And some of the younger guys who may not be aware of this are simply maintaining the standard that we’ve established over the last few years and holding the guys accountable. Just maintaining the same mentality every day.”