The Arizona Cardinals defense definitely took a step back in 2025, but a major part of that had to do with an ongoing youth movement, as the unit saw plenty of rookies get their first whiffs of pro action.
There were moments of growth, especially in the secondary, which trotted out a pair of rookie cornerbacks that pretty much rotated throughout the season due to injury. Will Johnson, who was selected in the second round in 2025, saw a ton of playing time alongside Denzel Burke, who was picked in that same draft class just three rounds later.
Johnson, who had his own issues with injury, proved to many that he could be the team’s No. 1 cornerback of the future. In the 12 games he appeared in, Johnson logged 37 total tackles, 10 pass breakups, and had a pair of interceptions. He immediately looked like a cornerstone and was proving to many that the talent he had was legit.
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Johnson was projected as a first-round pick in 2025, but slid to the second round after nagging knee injuries at the University of Michigan had teams concerned.
Johnson entered the league with a chip on his shoulder, and he immediately proved the doubters wrong. To imagine what he could be when fully healthy, it would take Arizona’s secondary to the next level, one that already contains a star in Budda Baker.
The Cardinals report to training camp on July 22, and that is where Johnson will have the chance to pick up where he left off.
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