Will Johnson Shines Early in Cardinals Training Camp

Second‑round pick Will Johnson is quickly becoming one of the most compelling stories at Arizona Cardinals training camp. Drafted 47th overall after health concerns dropped his stock, he’s showing early signs of being a draft-day steal .

At State Farm Stadium, Johnson has been matched extensively with Marvin Harrison Jr., reviving their fierce Michigan rivalry on a new stage. Multiple drills have featured the two going at it one-on-one, with Johnson often coming out on top in physical matchups—still, Harrison Jr. responded each time with sharp plays of his own .

His return to full health appears promising. Reports confirm Johnson battled a hamstring issue during offseason camp, but coaching staff expect him fully cleared for training camp. The upgraded health is key, as his lingering injury concerns were what caused his draft slide .

Johnson’s college career at Michigan included nine total interceptions (three returned for touchdowns) and a rare streak of allowing zero touchdown receptions during a dominant 2023 campaign. That season, he permitted just 17 completions on 37 targets in coverage, earning multiple All-American honors and being named Defensive MVP in the Wolverines’ national championship game .

At camp, his early performance continues to impress. Observers note that he has slit coverage gaps and made aggressive plays in back-to-back padded practices. His instincts and confidence in coverage are already standing out in a Cardinals secondary that desperately needs playmakers .

Analyst Mel Kiper Jr. labeled Johnson a potential “Round 2 steal,” pointing to his placement at No. 11 on his draft big board and his ability to shore up a Cardinals defense that ranked near the bottom of the league in opposition completion percentage last season .

With veteran depth including Garrett Williams, Max Melton, Starling Thomas V, and Denzel Burke, the competition is fierce. But coaches and analysts agree Johnson’s combination of size, football IQ, and instincts put him in early consideration for meaningful snaps—possibly even a starting role if the team embraces youth in the secondary .

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Positives:
• Johnson’s transition to health and visible early camp dominance suggest NFL-level readiness.
• His physical size (6’2”, 194 lbs) and strong ball skills make him a matchup nightmare.
• The revived rivalry matchups with Marvin Harrison Jr. add storyline intrigue and competitive polish.

Concerns:
• His lingering hamstring issues delayed draft stock and contract signing—health will be key.
• Rookie inexperience at the pro level may slow his adaptation curve in complex NFL coverage schemes.

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Conclusion:

Will Johnson’s rookie training camp narrative is already unfolding into one of the best stories of the Arizona Cardinals’ summer. If he continues his early trajectory—and stays healthy—he could easily become one of the premier cornerback acquisitions from the 2025 draft.NF