Cardinals' next pick after Walter Nolen selection is painfully obvious

With their first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals continued their defensive renovation by selecting Walter Nolen, the interior defensive lineman out of Ole Miss. The Cardinals will now have to wait until pick 47 to draft again, unless they decide to move up.

The next move is clear: draft Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, no matter what it takes.

Arizona Cardinals should draft Will Johnson next

Will Johnson, the 6’2” cornerback out of Michigan, is considered to be one of the top cornerback prospects in this year’s draft class. Johnson has been expected to go in the first round for over a year. His stock dropped steadily due to a dip in production in his final collegiate season and recurring injury concerns. Now, he’s available heading into the second round of the draft.

The Arizona Cardinals should jump on this opportunity and take Will Johnson, even if they have to move up to do it.

In his three seasons at Michigan, Will Johnson had nine interceptions, seven pass deflections, and over 60 tackles. In his final campaign, he allowed an opposing quarterback rating of just 52.6, according to PFF.

Johnson is a two-time All-American and a two-time All-Big Ten selection. In Michigan’s 2023 National Championship win, he was named the defensive MVP.

Injury concerns seem to be the primary reason for Johnson’s drop. He has recently battled hamstring and knee injuries. If the Cardinals aren’t comfortable with the results of their medical evaluation, that’s fine, they shouldn’t draft him. But if they believe there’s a realistic chance that he could return to the form he showed in 2023, this is an obvious pick.

With the Cardinals, Johnson would join a cornerback group made up of Garrett Williams, Max Melton, and Sean Murphy-Bunting, among others. 

In 2024, the Cardinals ranked in the bottom third in the league in both interceptions and passes of 20 or more yards allowed. They gave up 7.3 yards per passing attempt, which was the tenth-highest in the NFL.

Johnson is known for his elite instincts and ability to quickly break on short routes. His film is full of anticipatory moves that snuff out opponents’ passing attempts. Johnson has the ideal frame for a cornerback, and he excels at the catch point.

Some scouts and analysts have expressed concerns with Johnson’s speed. He did not run a forty-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

In Arizona’s zone-heavy scheme, Johnson wouldn’t be asked to run with speedy receivers in man coverage too often. He would be able to use his strengths to make game-changing plays on the outside.

Will Johnson could be a star in Arizona for years to come. The Cardinals must make the most of the opportunity his late slide presents.