GLENDALE – There are only a few defensive rookies with the amount of pressure on par with Arizona Cardinals second-round pick Will Johnson. The All-American cornerback at Michigan was touted as the best defensive back in the 2025 class, but injuries tanked Johnson’s value to 41st overall. The mental effect of dropping that far can be serious, especially now with injuries to his teammates opening the door for Arizona to need him to be CB1 on day one for the secondary.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Johnson will need a support system to not drown in the noise, and safety Budda Baker is willing to take on the role. The two-time All-Pro safety spoke with the media on Thursday, ahead of the team’s season opener against the New Orleans Saints. Baker discussed his relationship with Johnson, and the similarities he sees in him.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) is introduced before their game against the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Sep 22, 2024. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Cardinals’ Baker on mentoring Johnson:
Baker asked Johnson to sit next to him in the film room, which will be the rookie’s seat for the rest of the year. Johnson will be able to learn from the seven-time Pro Bowler. The seat was previously held by cornerback Starling Thomas V, who had developed into a stellar player for the Cardinals but tore his ACL during training camp last month.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The 22-year-old has plenty of expectations, and fellow former second-round pick Baker understands the noise that crush fellow rookies. In his rookie season, Baker was named a pro-bowler and an All-Pro by only starting seven games. The former Washington Huskies safety made his start on special teams and developed into a premier player in the NFL.
Baker understands the work and groundwork for the rest of a player’s career is formed during their rookie season. He wants to ensure that Johnson has all the tools to live up to all the expectations surrounding him.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
