San Francisco,Th – April 24, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers selected Michigan cornerback Will Johnson with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, per sources, addressing a critical need in their secondary. Finalized Thursday in Green Bay, John Lynch’s choice aims to fortify a defense exposed after a 6-11 season. Kyle Shanahan’s squad seeks a playoff return, per Matt Maiocco.
Robert Saleh’s defense, ranked 20th in points allowed (24.3 per game), lost Charvarius Ward and Talanoa Hufanga to free agency. Johnson, a 6-foot-2, 202-pound lockdown corner, posted nine interceptions at Michigan, including two pick-sixes in 2024, per NFL.com. His 31.0 passer rating when targeted—second-best in college football—fits Saleh’s man-heavy scheme, per Dane Brugler.
Johnson’s physicality and instincts bolster a secondary led by Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green. Facing NFC West receivers like Puka Nacua and DK Metcalf, Johnson’s sticky coverage and ball skills address a glaring weakness, per Chad Reuter. Nick Bosa and Fred Warner gain support as Johnson reduces back-end pressure.
The pick, projected by Charles Robinson, carries risks due to Johnson’s 2024 toe injury, which sidelined him for three games, per Albert Breer. His $12 million, four-year rookie deal fits the 49ers’ $22 million cap, per OverTheCap, preserving funds for Brock Purdy’s $50-60 million extension, per Grant Cohn.
Lynch’s 10 remaining picks must address Trent Williams’s heir and Javon Hargrave’s replacement, per Matt Barrows. Johnson’s 90.1 PFF coverage grade signals readiness, but some scouts question his long-speed against elite burners, per Jeremy Fowler. Saleh’s veteran presence could ease his transition, per Breer.
Philadelphia’s trade of Dallas Goedert freed cap for youth, per Alex Ballentine, but the 49ers prioritize defense. Johnson’s fit mirrors past gems like Lenoir, a fifth-round steal, per Brayden Haena. His three career pick-sixes highlight playmaking upside, per Pro Football Focus.
Shanahan’s draft history—Kittle, Purdy—inspires confidence. Johnson’s preparation, likened to a veteran by Michigan coaches, suits the 49ers’ culture, per Lorenzo J. Reyna. Puka Nacua’s cap warning about Purdy underscores the need for cost-effective stars, per ClutchPoints.
This pick aims to restore 2019’s defensive prowess. If Johnson adapts quickly, the 49ers’ secondary could stifle passing attacks, fueling Purdy’s 2025 push. A slow adjustment risks prolonging the rebuild, testing Saleh’s ability to mold the top-15 talent in a loaded NFC West.
