GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals did not draft Will Johnson merely to develop into a solid starter. They drafted him because they believed he could eventually become the type of cornerback offenses avoid altogether. That belief may start paying off in 2026.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Will Johnson showed plenty of promise during his rookie season in Arizona.
The second-round pick finished second on the team in passes defended and enters 2026 as one of the young players worth watching for the Cardinals. pic.twitter.com/dCmZLh6zQ8
— Cardinals Nation (@CardsNationCP) May 29, 2026
Selected 47th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Johnson quietly put together a respectable rookie season with 24 solo tackles and a forced fumble. Those numbers will not dominate headlines, but they also fail to capture what Arizona saw behind the scenes with improving route recognition, growing confidence in man coverage, and a defender beginning to trust his elite instincts against NFL speed.
Arizona cornerback 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
That matters because the Cardinals are still searching for a defensive identity. In today’s NFL, one shutdown corner changes everything. A true CB1 gives coordinators freedom to blitz more aggressively, disguise coverages, and force quarterbacks into mistakes. Arizona has lacked that type of defensive centerpiece for years, and Johnson could have the tools to become it.
Aug 2, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; AZ cornerback Johnson (0) and linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the Red and White practice in training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
At Michigan, his ball skills and physicality consistently separated him from other prospects. More importantly, he played with the kind of composure coaches cannot teach. Young corners often struggle mentally after allowing big plays. Johnson’s mindset has always been different. He attacks the next snap instead of fearing it. Fans should pay attention to that psychological edge as much as the physical talent. The Cardinals’ rebuild will ultimately depend on whether their young core can outperform expectations. If Johnson makes the leap from promising rookie to impact defender in 2026, Arizona may look back at last year’s draft as the turning point that helped reshape the franchise’s defense.
Jul 29, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona cornerback Johnson (0) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
