GLENDALE – The biggest bright spot for the Arizona Cardinals defense has been the arrival of rookie cornerback Will Johnson. The former 47th overall pick has quickly asserted himself as, not only the Cardinals CB1, but one of the best defensive backs in the league.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Pro Football Focus updated its overall position grades for cornerbacks, with Johnson’s 84.5 grade being the second-highest in the NFL. Despite missing two weeks due to a groin injury, the 22-year-old still leads the NFL in pass deflections with five.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) is introduced before their game against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on Sept 14, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
HC Jonathan Gannon on Johnson’s impact on defense:
He takes the coaching, and he applies it. He doesn’t make the same mistake twice, typically. I’m pretty hard on him, but he’s smart. He’s tough. He’s got what you’re looking for in a corner. He’s done a good job since he’s been here. And again, I think he’s going to continue to ascend the more he plays.”
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) waits for a drill to complete during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Aug. 6, 2025.
Before the start of the 2025 season, Arizona lost two of its top cornerbacks for the entire season due to injuries. Then, Garrett Williams was placed on injury reserve after an knee injury suffered in Week 2. The defense was floundering to find able bodies to lead the secondary, and Johnson has surpass all expectations.
Johnson comes from a prestigious program like Michigan and has entered the franchise on day one being ready to be a leader. Gannon has noticed that quality in his game, and Johnson has become the team’s staple cornerback in the secondary.
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray held out of practice due to foot injury suffered in Week 5
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
