Draft Prospect Will Johnson to Visit the Raiders
Will Johnson, the standout cornerback from Michigan, is set to visit the Raiders next week after Michigan’s pro day and a prime candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders to target with their No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. At a time when the Raiders’ defense needs a game-changer, Johnson’s blend of size, skill, and proven production makes him an ideal fit. His college career and physical profile scream potential cornerstone, and here’s why he’d be a slam dunk for the Silver and Black. Plus, the last defensive back the Raiders drafted out of Michigan in the first round worked out pretty well for them.
Johnson’s college stats are impressive despite an injury-shortened 2024 season. Over three years at Michigan, he started 22 games, tallying 68 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 17 pass breakups. His 2023 campaign was a breakout, earning him second-team All-American honors with 4 picks, including a pivotal interception in the national championship win over Washington. In 2024, despite playing only six games due to turf toe, he nabbed 2 interceptions, both returned for touchdowns, showing his knack for big plays. His career coverage grade from Pro Football Focus sits at an elite 91.2, underscoring his consistency against top competition like Ohio State and USC.
At 6-foot-2 and 194 pounds, Johnson has the length and frame NFL teams covet in a modern cornerback. His projected 4.39-second 40-yard dash suggests he’s got the speed to stick with burners, while his long arms and instincts make him a ball hawk. He’s not just a coverage specialist, he’s physical, willing to mix it up in run support, though he’ll need to refine his tackling technique to avoid penalties at the next level.
For the Raiders, who ranked dead last in PFF coverage grade last season, Johnson is a no-brainer. New head coach Pete Carroll, with his history of building stout defenses in Seattle, would love a technician like Johnson who fits any scheme, man or zone. Pairing him with emerging talent like Jakorian Bennet could transform Vegas’ secondary into a strength. While some mock drafts flirt with quarterbacks or running backs like Ashton Jeanty at No. 6, Johnson represents the best-player-available approach Carroll often favors. He’s a potential CB1 who could lock down one side of the field for years, giving the Raiders a defensive identity they’ve lacked. At pick six, he’s a steal.