The 49ers likely had an interest in Michigan's Will Johnson, but questionable workout decisions certainly hurt his NFL Draft stock.
Conventional wisdom suggests the San Francisco 49ers will use their first of 11 total picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, No. 11 overall, on a defensive lineman because, well... that's their biggest area of need this offseason.
However, it's not hard to see suggestions out there for a cornerback, namely in light of the fact there are plenty of other D-linemen to be had in subsequent rounds who'll likely fit the bill.
Michigan corner Will Johnson is one of those who has been regularly tied to the Niners in the draft's lead-up. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. mocked Johnson to San Francisco right after the start of the league new year, then did so again in his second mock.
For the 49ers, it would appear to make sense. They lost starting cornerback Charvarius Ward to free agency, leaving Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green as the lone two options to help patrol the secondary.
However, in light of some recent developments from a pre-draft workout Johnson performed in front of scouts, the Niners may want to rethink putting a priority grade on the former Wolverine standout.
Will Johnson likely just hurt his NFL Draft stock in front of 49ers
Johnson opted not to participate in the NFL Combine or at Michigan's pro day, citing hamstring issues.
That might not have been too big a deal. After all, the defensive back's collegiate efforts were more than enough to justify a first-round selection, and questions about his straight-line speed had been answered by his game tape at nearly every turn.
However, in what was to be his first workout for pro teams this offseason, Johnson opted not to run a 40-yard dash:
Michigan CB Will Johnson worked out for NFL teams this morning. A few notes from scouts in attendance:
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 14, 2025
- No 40-yard dash
- 37" vertical, 4.33 short shuttle
- Above average during positional drills. "Very smooth."
It'd be one thing if the hamstring issue was the lone injury problem, but a turf-toe injury ended his 2024 campaign early, too. That points to a history of lower-body injuries, which doesn't exactly bode well for teams looking to draft him early.
Yes, there are plenty of scouts, general managers and head coaches who worry less about on-field workouts and focus more on game film, which is probably a strong approach.
However, considering San Francisco has more than just a minor bevy of needs to address in this year's draft, Johnson is shaping up to be more of a luxury pick for teams needing only a handful of hits later this April.
The 49ers don't fall into that category. They need to hit on their top pick and not run the risk of an injury-prone player who may never come close to living up to expectations.
Drafting Johnson suddenly became far too big a risk for the Niners to take.