The 2025 NFL Draft is getting closer, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be looking for a high-impact reinforcement for their secondary. In this installment of “Alf’s Buccaneers Eye on the Draft”, we analyze Michigan Defensive Back Will Johnson.
Who is Will Johnson?
Will Johnson , son of former DB Deon Johnson, not only inherited Wolverine DNA, but also a football IQ and a privileged physique. He was named First-Team All-American , Defensive MVP of the 2023 National Championship Game , and compiled 9 interceptions in his three years as a starter at Michigan .
At 6’1″ and nearly 200 pounds, he combines size, length, speed, IQ, and ball skills. A blue-chip prospect who has demonstrated the ability to play both in the man and zone , he is projected to become an All-Pro .
Will Johnson’s Strengths
- Lockdown corner with elite ball skills
- Scheme versatility: man and multiple zones
- Reading and pre-snap intelligence
- Physical punch in press coverage
- Great burst of closure and reaction to routes
- Ability to force turnovers and break up passes
- Smooth transitions thanks to its hip fluidity
- Aggressive mentality in coverage and tackling
In zone coverage, Johnson disguises his intentions , reads the QB, and jumps routes explosively . In man coverage, he has the technique to stay in phase and use his long arms to control and redirect the WR toward the sideline.
Aspects to improve
Will Johnson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use some fine-tuning. He’s sometimes overly aggressive in the man-press , opening the floodgates and giving up initial separation. Furthermore, in deep coverage, he doesn’t always locate the ball , missing big-play opportunities.
In tackling, although he is willing, he needs to refine his technique: not breaking the angle so much or diving blindly , but rather arriving balanced and closing with confidence.
Would Will Johnson be a good fit for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Absolutely. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Will Johnson would be the ideal complement to Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum if the team is looking for a CB1 with a dominant presence and the potential to eliminate opposing star receivers.
Todd Bowles loves a multi-pronged, tactically demanding scheme, and Johnson fits in Cover 3, 4, 6 , and man-to-man . With his read-and-react ability, coupled with his physicality, he could become Tampa’s star cornerback of the next decade .
NFL Comparison: Jaycee Horn
As a former top-10 pick of the Panthers, Johnson possesses the size, strength, and aggressiveness to be a lockdown CB since his rookie year. If he refines the details, he can go even further.
Conclusion: Is Will Johnson a real option for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
If the Bucs have the option to select him, they should jump on him without hesitation. Will Johnson on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers represents a golden opportunity to solidify a dominant secondary and build an impressive defense for years to come. An immediate impact pick!
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