Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, who missed half of last season with turf toe, has announced that he suffered a hamstring injury that will cause him to miss the Wolverines’ Pro Day.
Hamstring Injury Adds To Will Johnson’s Setbacks
Unfortunately, injuries have been a concern for scouts regarding Johnson. He missed most of last season due to a turf toe. However, he expects to be healthy by April 14 to work out with NFL teams.
#Michigan CB Will Johnson will not participate in Pro Day on March 21st because of a minor hamstring injury, per source.
He is expected to be fully cleared and will hold a private workout for NFL teams on April 14th.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) March 7, 2025
Johnson also didn’t participate in workouts at the NFL Combine last week as he continues to recover from his injuries. Reflecting on his past struggles, he explained, “I tore ligaments in my toe, so I couldn’t run, couldn’t plant, couldn’t do anything for a while until mid-injury.”
Despite the injuries, everyone knows what Johnson is capable of when healthy. He played a key role in leading Michigan to the 2023-24 National Championship and was named the Defensive MVP of the title game.
Johnson recorded an interception in the championship matchup against Washington, further solidifying his name.
Johnson is widely regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the upcoming draft, with many analysts ranking him among the top two at his position. He is the No. 11 overall player in Jordan Reid’s latest mock draft and is ranked No. 9 on ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest big board.
Johnson is highly regarded due to his size, fluidity, and ball skills, making him an attractive prospect for NFL teams. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com notes that Johnson is “instinctive” with “good body control” and the ability to “change direction in space.”
He excels in man coverage but is most effective when playing with his eyes forward, allowing him to “read and anticipate routes/throws at a high level.”
While Johnson’s ball-hawking skills stand out, Zierlein warns that he must balance this mindset with respect for NFL route-runners, as he “might lack the recovery speed to close the distance at a desired rate.” However, his traits make him a potential “future Pro Bowler.”
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Johnson’s physical tools and on-field production continue to make him a highly ranked prospect. At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, his size gives him an advantage in press coverage, while his ball skills and instincts have drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s top defensive backs.
Although his recent health issues have raised concerns, teams remain interested in his potential. With Pro Day no longer an option, Johnson’s private workouts in April will be his best chance to showcase his abilities before the draft kicks off on April 24.
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