GLENDALE – As the 2025 NFL training camp rolls on for the Arizona Cardinals, the hype around rookie Cornerback Will Johnson is only growing.
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Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) defends wide out Xavier Weaver (89) during Cardinals training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on July 31, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Arizona Cardinals may have found a gem in the rookie cornerback out of Michigan, Will Johnson. Drafted in the second round after falling in the NFL Draft, Johnson arrived in Arizona with some expectations, but it seems he’s already surpassing them. Recent clips have surfaced showing how physical Johnson has been, with his football IQ fully on display.
Will Johnson with great patience on this route pic.twitter.com/sosOqSe4YR
— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) August 1, 2025
Will Johnson has been flat-out DOMINATING the Cardinals WR core.
The Cardinals rookie CB might just claim the role of CB1 by the end of training camp 🔒 pic.twitter.com/rRyZbZ6cLQ
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) August 3, 2025
Will Johnson has a decent size for a cornerback, as Johnson is 6’2″ and 200 lbs. With fluid motion and long arms, Johnson looks the part of a modern NFL corner. But it’s not just his size that’s drawing praise; it’s his instincts and tenacity in coverage.
Cardinals cornerback Johnson (0) defends wide out Xavier Weaver (89) during Cardinals training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on July 31, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Johnson has looked sharp in training camp by consistently blanketing receivers in one-on-one drills, breaking up passes, and forcing quarterbacks to look elsewhere, including going up against teammate and former college rival, Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. His ability to read routes and anticipate throws has led to multiple interceptions during scrimmages, fueling growing excitement about his potential.
Will Johnson bodying Marvin Harrison Jr?
Nothing new to me.
— Michigan Metal 〽️ (@Metaleka_) July 28, 2025
What stands out most is his composure. Rookie corners often struggle adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL, but Johnson appears unshaken. Absorbing the playbook quickly, showing strong communication skills, and adapting well to both man and zone schemes, will be key for Johnson. His versatility gives the Cardinals options in a secondary that’s still taking shape.
Aug 2, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona cornerback Johnson (0) during the Red and White practice in training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Will Johnson hype is real and on the rise for the Cardinals:
While it’s still early, Johnson’s emergence is one of the most promising developments for a Cardinals defense in transition. If he keeps this pace, don’t be surprised if he becomes a starting-caliber player by midseason, and could even have a shot at winning the defensive rookie of the year award. Arizona may have landed a cornerstone in its secondary without even realizing it on draft day.
INCREDIBLE coverage and INT from Will Johnson🔒🧊
STEAL OF THE DRAFT.
pic.twitter.com/O6ddSDwJ8f— LOCKDOWN WILL (@LockdownWill) August 2, 2025
How did this dude drop to Round 2? pic.twitter.com/YA3hqhy15w
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) August 4, 2025
With Johnson quickly looking like he belongs in the NFL, the hope is he can amount to so much more for the Cardinals.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
