NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein released his second mock-up of the 2025 NFL Draft on Monday. In that scenario, a surprising talent fell into the Pittsburgh Steelers’ lap in Michigan cornerback Will Johnson.
Fellow NFL.com draft analysts Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah have Johnson going to Atlanta (No. 15) and San Francisco (No. 11). Early last month, in Zierlein’s first mock draft, Jacksonville took Johnson No. 5 overall. The Jaguars opted for Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan this time around, and Johnson slipped down draft boards to the Steelers at No. 21.
“The slide ends for Johnson,” wrote Zierlein, who has compared the Wolverines coverman to the Carolina Panthers’ Jaycee Horn. “If he runs a strong 40-yard dash at Michigan’s pro day, that will boost his stock. For now, he ends up taking his impressive ball talent to Pittsburgh.”
Zierlein grades Johnson as a “boom-or-bust potential” prospect. Johnson totaled 68 combined tackles, nine interceptions, two pick-sixes, and 10 passes defended while playing for Michigan. He was shelved by a turf toe injury halfway through the Wolverines’ schedule this past season.
He didn’t work out for the Steelers to see in Indianapolis this past week, but will showcase his ability at Michigan’s pro day.
“There was never a decision to sit out,” Johnson said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I physically couldn’t cut, couldn’t play, couldn’t be out there. I did everything I could every day to try to get back.”
With Johnson being available when the Steelers pick, they pass on his teammate, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant. Missouri wideout Luther Burden III, another potential Pittsburgh target, went No. 25 to Arizona. The Steelers have also been linked to Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka, who dropped into the second round in this outline.
