GLENDALE – The 2025 NFL draft is just over a month away taking place at the iconic Lambeau Field on ESPN. And now with free agency tapering off, the Arizona Cardinals enter the draft with many different directions they can go with the 16th overall pick. At the end of the 2024-2025 season, many draft experts expected them to draft an edge rusher, but the signing of Pro Bowler Josh Sweat now gives the franchise versatile to draft the best available player on the board. Mock drafts from CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and more have the Cardinals going offense or again defensive line. However, ESPN’s Mel Kiper have the Cardinals going cornerback with Will Johnson out of Michigan in the first round to Arizona.
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JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Michigan defensive back Will Johnson celebrates a touchdown after intercepting USC quarterback Miller Moss during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. Syndication: Palm Beach Post
Mel Kiper on ESPN about Johnson:
Apr 28, 2011; New York, NY, USA; ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
“This is a value pick. I have Johnson ranked 10th on my board, and he might have been even higher had a toe injury not ended his season early. He has nine career interceptions and always seems to be around the football. Garrett Williams was impressive in the slot last season, but the Cards could stand to add on the outside, where they are starting Sean Murphy-Bunting and Starling Thomas V. Opponents completed 68.6% of their passes against Arizona in 2024 (fourth worst for any defense), and the Cardinals were one of nine teams with fewer than 10 interceptions (nine).”
The ESPN draft expert cites Johnson sensational three-year college career as Wolverine. The two-time All-American was named the 2023 national championship defensive MVP and would be an unanimous top-10 pick if a toe injury didn’t derail the second half of his junior season.
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
The Cardinals had the 15th best passing defense allowing 216.1 passing yards per game, while top five in passing touchdowns only allowing 20 last year. However, the team struggled to generate turnovers, which is headed by a secondary that had nine interceptions all of last season. Kiper believes Johnson’s addition to the Cardinals secondary that is lacking a dominant number one defensive back.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
