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A review and breakdown of first-round predictions for the Green Bay Packers in final 2025 mock drafts from a few of the most prominent analysts in the business:
The mock draft: Eric Edholm, NFL.com
The pick: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
The reasoning: "Johnson has been a tricky player to place in mock drafts because of questions about his health and long speed. But at No. 23, the Packers absolutely can justify the risk for a highly pedigreed talent at a needed spot."
Our breakdown: Johnson played in only six games during his true junior season in 2024 and then skipped all athletic testing during the pre-draft process, but he's still the No. 12 overall player on the consensus board and a top player at a premium position. Over 22 starts, Johnson -- who wore the No. 2 uniform at Michigan in honor of Charles Woodson -- produced 19 pass breakups and nine interceptions, showcasing big-time disruption and takeaway ability. Question marks about his speed exist, but teams have ways of understanding on-field speed via GPS numbers these days. If landing in Green Bay, Johnson could be a Week 1 starter as a perimeter corner and a replacement for Jaire Alexander as the No. 1 corner and Pro Bowl-caliber coverage player. The Packers greatly value the testing numbers, but it's tough to imagine them passing on a potentially elite player at a premium position if Johnson fell into range at No. 23.
Draft profile from Lance Zierlein: "Teams love big, fluid cornerbacks with ball production and that is exactly what Johnson offers. He’s instinctive and plays with good body control and change of direction in space. He can play man coverage, but he’s at his best when playing with his eyes forward instead of chasing routes downfield. Johnson displays good pre-snap recognition and can read and anticipate routes/throws at a high level. While he plays the role of thief in coverage, he needs to balance that mentality with a healthy respect for NFL route-runners, as he might lack the recovery speed to close the distance at a desired rate. He has coveted traits and his areas of concern fail to stand out as impediments for what could become a long, successful career as a future Pro Bowler."
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers get Michigan CB Will Johnson in Eric Edholm's final 2025 mock draft
Continue reading...
The mock draft: Eric Edholm, NFL.com
The pick: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
The reasoning: "Johnson has been a tricky player to place in mock drafts because of questions about his health and long speed. But at No. 23, the Packers absolutely can justify the risk for a highly pedigreed talent at a needed spot."
Our breakdown: Johnson played in only six games during his true junior season in 2024 and then skipped all athletic testing during the pre-draft process, but he's still the No. 12 overall player on the consensus board and a top player at a premium position. Over 22 starts, Johnson -- who wore the No. 2 uniform at Michigan in honor of Charles Woodson -- produced 19 pass breakups and nine interceptions, showcasing big-time disruption and takeaway ability. Question marks about his speed exist, but teams have ways of understanding on-field speed via GPS numbers these days. If landing in Green Bay, Johnson could be a Week 1 starter as a perimeter corner and a replacement for Jaire Alexander as the No. 1 corner and Pro Bowl-caliber coverage player. The Packers greatly value the testing numbers, but it's tough to imagine them passing on a potentially elite player at a premium position if Johnson fell into range at No. 23.
The player info
- CB Will Johnson
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 194
- Age: 22
- 40-yard dash: DNP
- Vertical leap: DNP
- Broad jump: DNP
- Three-cone: DNP
- Short shuttle: DNP
- Bench press: DNP
- RAS: N/A
- Pre-draft visit: No
- Senior Bowl: No
- Consensus big board rank: 12
Draft profile from Lance Zierlein: "Teams love big, fluid cornerbacks with ball production and that is exactly what Johnson offers. He’s instinctive and plays with good body control and change of direction in space. He can play man coverage, but he’s at his best when playing with his eyes forward instead of chasing routes downfield. Johnson displays good pre-snap recognition and can read and anticipate routes/throws at a high level. While he plays the role of thief in coverage, he needs to balance that mentality with a healthy respect for NFL route-runners, as he might lack the recovery speed to close the distance at a desired rate. He has coveted traits and his areas of concern fail to stand out as impediments for what could become a long, successful career as a future Pro Bowler."
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers get Michigan CB Will Johnson in Eric Edholm's final 2025 mock draft
Continue reading...
