Saints eye Michigan CB Will Johnson despite speed concerns
04/16/2025
By Ross Jackson
After not being able to participate in most of the pre-draft process, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson was able to hold a private workout for NFL teams earlier this week. The New Orleans Saints, potentially eyeing a new starting cornerback, were likely watching the Wolverines defender’s numbers with interest.
However, there was a bit of a snag. One of the biggest questions surrounding Johnson ahead of the draft has been his speed, and many were eager to see him answer it.
The Ringer’s Todd McShay reported that the corner was running in the 4.5 second range while training. Such a time would generate major questions about his ability to stand up to the speed of NFL offenses. However, there are other ways to measure his game speed.
No 40 for Will Johnson? No problem
Johnson was clocked as fast as 20.3 MPH last season, per @RAanalytics
He even stumbled on the play 👀
🎥: @RAanalytics pic.twitter.com/R7geoBfVLi https://t.co/QCsJp7RVGX
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 14, 2025
Without a 40-yard-dash time, Johnson would become one of the rare cases in which a corner that didn’t run could be drafted in the first round. His other testing results are a little underwhelming.
Will Johnson’s Reported Private Workout Results
- Short Shuttle: 4.33 seconds (13th percentile)
- Vertical: 37 inches (66th percentile)
His short shuttle would have been the slowest among cornerbacks that participated in the drill at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. Only four other cornerbacks ran.
Johnson wasn’t able to answer the speed concerns with his testing, but likely had the chance to do additional work in front of the teams in attendance which may have helped.
The other big question circulating the talented cornerback involves health. Johnson suffered a turf toe injury that ended his 2024 campaign early and had a minor hamstring injury that kept him out of the majority of his pre-draft process.
Would the Saints Take Him?
Last year, the Saints selected Kool-Aid McKinstry in the second round, even though an injury kept him from most offseason testing and workouts. This shows that New Orleans, like most NFL teams, will often trust the tape over the tests. That could be the case for Johnson who, on tape, looks like a future All-Pro in the league.
#Michigan CB Will Johnson
6-foot-2, 194
Aggressive eyes/explosive, forward ability. Has the physical tools to align in press. Better suited to play off — with vision — given he’s more smooth than sudden. Ball skills/playmaking mentality (9 career INTs, 3 defensive TDs). pic.twitter.com/F7dns2V9Bv
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) March 24, 2025
The concern is whether or not he’ll be able to translate that level of play, despite speed concerns, at the next level matching up against NFL talent. If a team feels comfortable with him from that perspective, Saints included, he’ll be a day one selection.
New Orleans holds the No. 9 overall selection and lost starting cornerback Paulson Adebo in free agency to the New York Giants. Despite bringing corner Isaac Yiadom back to the team, they could still be in the market for another starting-caliber cornerback.
Johnson’s Career Stats:
- 32 games
- Nine interceptions (three touchdown returns)
- 10 passes defended
- 68 tackles (four for a loss)