The Arizona Cardinals secured defensive lineman Walter Nolen in the first round of the NFL Draft and potentially found a steal in the second round with cornerback Will Johnson. After an impressive career at Michigan, Johnson's draft stock fell due to knee health concerns, but he is motivated to prove teams wrong. Despite the risk associated with his knee, Arizona remains optimistic about Johnson’s future and his capacity to transform their secondary. The Cardinals believe Johnson’s aggressive playing style and confidence will make a significant impact.

By the Numbers
  • Will Johnson helped lead Michigan to a national championship two seasons ago.
  • He was selected by the Cardinals in the second round of the NFL Draft despite health concerns.
Yes, But

While concerns about Johnson's knee linger, the Cardinals have assessed the risk as manageable, indicating confidence in his potential despite past injury flags.

State of Play
  • Johnson is seen as a future cornerstone for the Cardinals’ defense.
  • Arizona is focused on his development while monitoring the knee issue long-term.
What's Next

As the season progresses, the Cardinals will work to integrate Johnson into their defensive scheme, hoping to maximize his talent while keeping a close eye on his knee health.

Bottom Line

The Cardinals are banking on Will Johnson's talent and mentality to transform their secondary, believing that choosing him despite health risks could pay off significantly in the long run.