Will Johnson: The Cornerback Miami Can’t Overthink at Pick 13

With Jalen Ramsey’s Departure, the Dolphins Must Not Overthink Pick 13: Will Johnson is the Answer

With Jalen Ramsey’s departure imminent and the Miami Dolphins’ secondary in flux, securing a top-tier cornerback is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Michigan’s Will Johnson stands out as the ideal candidate to fill that void and anchor Miami’s defense moving forward. Will Johnson was my top cornerback target for Miami before the Ramsey trade — and now, he’s a no-brainer

Legacy Turned Lockdown: Johnson’s Rise in Ann Arbor

A five-star recruit out of Grosse Pointe South High School, Johnson followed in his father’s footsteps to Michigan but quickly forged a legacy of his own. As a true freshman, he earned Freshman All-American honors. By his sophomore year, he was a First-Team All-American and defensive MVP during Michigan’s national title run. Even while battling a nagging turf toe injury in 2024, Johnson notched two pick-sixes and continued to erase top receivers’ week after week.

In 32 games, Johnson racked up:

  • 68 total tackles

  • 9 interceptions (3 returned for touchdowns)

  • 10 pass deflections

That’s elite production. At 6’2″, 194 lbs with 30 1/8” arms, Johnson pairs size with intelligence and big-game consistency — everything the Dolphins need right now.

Dolphins Need a Corner with His Skillset

This isn’t a matter of best player available anymore. With Ramsey and Kendall Fuller — both primarily outside guys — now jettisoned, Miami is dangerously thin on the boundary. Unless they trade down, this is not one to overthink: Will Johnson is the prohibitive favorite for the Dolphins if they remain at No. 13 overall.

His defensive coordinator at Michigan? Wink Martindale — the very same Martindale who served as Anthony Weaver’s first DC in Baltimore. That familiarity could ease the transition to Miami’s evolving defensive system.

The Dolphins don’t need a developmental player. They need someone who can step in right away and deliver. Johnson did exactly that at Michigan, starting as a true freshman. History tends to repeat itself — and guys who acclimate early in college often hit the ground running in the NFL. His position history, scheme background, and track record scream “Day 1 starter.”

Scouting Breakdown: Pro-Ready with Room to Grow

Johnson earned an overall scouting grade of 87.8 (NFLDraftBuzz.com) and is widely viewed as a top-three cornerback in the draft class. His strengths are tailor-made for Miami’s needs:

  • Press-man physicality: Disruptive at the line with size and technique

  • Zone IQ: Diagnoses route concepts like a vet

  • Ball skills: A pick-six threat every time he’s targeted

  • Run support: Aggressive and willing tackler

  • Versatility: Can thrive in man or zone-heavy schemes

But yes — there are concerns.

He didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the Combine or his Pro Day, and Todd McShay has said he likely would’ve run in the high 4.5s. That’s not blazing. Then again, Jaylen Waddle never ran the 40 either, and Chris Grier trusted the GPS data. It’s hard to imagine the Dolphins don’t already have similar numbers on Johnson.

Reading into Grier’s comments in yesterday’s press conference — specifically his admission that he’s grown tired of banking on traits over makeup — Johnson becomes even more of a match. Grier sounded like a man who’s done with the Cordrea Tankersleys of the world. Johnson has “the makeup.”


The Injury Factor: A Gamble Grier Is Still Willing to Make

The turf toe injury and lack of speed testing are valid discussion points — but they shouldn’t be dealbreakers. Let’s be honest: Chris Grier has never shied away from prospects with medical red flags, as long as the character and work ethic are undeniable. Will Johnson checks both boxes. And in this case, we’re not talking about a chronic knee or back issue — it’s turf toe. Manageable, short-term, and not the kind of injury that should scare off a team with a glaring need at corner. If anything, it’s being overstated by those trying to poke holes in an otherwise elite prospect.

Final Thought: Get the Corner, Anchor the Defense

Prior to the Ramsey trade, no need came close to Miami’s defensive line issues. But with a future Hall of Famer being moved from an already shallow corner room, cornerback is now the most glaring hole on the roster. And if Will Johnson is on the board at 13, don’t be surprised if the Dolphins sprint the card in.

He’s smart. He’s tough. He fits the scheme. He fills a need. And he’s exactly the kind of “football makeup” guy Miami should be targeting if they want to build a defense to match the explosiveness on offense.

This isn’t complicated. It’s Will Johnson.

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