As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, they remain open to addressing any area of the roster. With General Manager Omar Khan casting a wide net, no position is off-limits for their 21st overall pick—including cornerback.
While Colorado’s Travis Hunter is the crown jewel of this year’s draft class, his future likely lies at wide receiver given his elite skill set. Meanwhile, another once-promising cornerback has seen his draft stock tumble dramatically.
Michigan’s Will Johnson, previously considered a top-tier prospect, has had a disappointing year. After an inconsistent junior season, injuries further hampered his performance. Once seen as a surefire first-rounder, Johnson is now slipping on draft boards.
His draft journey hit another snag at the NFL Combine, where he raised eyebrows by skipping drills and measuring in with 30 1/8-inch arms—significantly shorter than what’s typically expected of boundary cornerbacks. Now, the concerns have deepened.
On Monday, NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay reported that Johnson will take part in nearly every drill during his private workout—except the 40-yard dash. Despite being fully healthy, Johnson is reportedly running in the high 4.5-second range, which likely led to his decision to sit out the sprint.
Why the Steelers Should Think Twice About Drafting Will Johnson
While athletic testing isn’t everything, the Steelers would be justified in hesitating when it comes to Johnson. His apparent lack of top-end speed adds another layer of concern to an already shaky profile.
Typically, prospects skip the 40-yard dash for one of three reasons: they have nothing left to prove, they’re recovering from injury, or they fear a poor showing. In Johnson’s case, the reason appears clear—he didn’t want the timer to confirm what scouts are already worried about.
With so many questions surrounding him, the Steelers may be better off looking elsewhere with their first-round pick.
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