Seattle Seahawks Willing to Go Broke Chasing National Champion Cornerback Sensation

With Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, and Josh Jobe already in the mix, the Seattle Seahawks’ cornerback group is in solid shape heading into the NFL Draft.

Still, it would be unwise for Seattle to ignore this year’s cornerback talent, especially with one elite prospect commanding serious attention.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Seahawks hosted Michigan cornerback Will Johnson for a pre-draft visit on Wednesday. A Detroit native, Johnson is widely regarded as the top corner in this draft class and a potential top-10 selection.

Johnson has an impressive résumé—earning Freshman All-American honors in 2022, then becoming a first-team All-American in 2023. Across 32 games, he racked up 68 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and nine interceptions, returning three for touchdowns. Even while battling injuries, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024.

Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 194 pounds, Johnson combines size with impressive mobility for the position.

‘

“Teams love big, fluid cornerbacks with ball skills, and that’s exactly what Johnson brings,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein in his scouting report. “He’s instinctive, has great body control, and is strong in space. While he’s capable in man coverage, he thrives with his eyes on the quarterback. He anticipates routes well and consistently diagnoses plays before they develop. While he may lack elite recovery speed, his instincts and playmaking ability give him long-term Pro Bowl potential.”

Although Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald wasn’t at Michigan during Johnson’s time—having left for the Ravens before Johnson arrived—the two are connected through shared coaching relationships.

Johnson may not be available when Seattle picks at No. 18, but if he slides, the Seahawks could be tempted to pounce—regardless of their current cornerback depth.