Will Johnson is falling in the 2025 NFL draft primarily due to concerns over a knee issue that has raised red flags among NFL teams. Despite being regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the draft class and showing stellar on-field performance, his draft stock dropped because:
- He missed significant time during his junior college season due to multiple injuries, including shoulder, toe, hamstring, and notably knee problems.
- The knee issue, described as a potentially degenerative condition, was flagged during pre-draft medical evaluations and at the NFL Combine, which caused teams to worry about his long-term durability and longevity in the league.
- Johnson's injury history limited his participation in key pre-draft events such as the NFL Combine and Michigan's pro day, restricting teams' ability to fully evaluate him.
- He was seen as a high-caliber talent who could have been a first-round pick but fell to the second round where the Arizona Cardinals selected him, considering the health risk worth the potential reward.
In summary, Will Johnson's fall in the draft is due chiefly to injury concerns centered around his knee, leading teams to hesitate in taking him in the first round despite his elite talent and college achievements.