GLENDALE — Whatever timeline you had for Arizona Cardinals rookie cornerback Will Johnson, it was likely accelerated after last week’s developments.
With two-year starter Starling Thomas V going down with a torn ACL early on in training camp, Johnson is one step higher on the depth chart and one step closer to proving why he was considered a first-round talent before his second-round skid.
For some, the jump from college to the pros can be daunting.
Johnson, however, has taken everything in stride as the expectations heighten.
“You got guys like Will, who’s been playing football at a high level at Michigan. He came here and hasn’t really lost a step.”
Cardinals S Budda Baker has been impressed by rookie CB Will Johnson this training camp. pic.twitter.com/FPGLBxsjhy
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 31, 2025
“You got guys like Will who’s been playing football at a high level at Michigan and has come here and hasn’t really lost his step,” safety Budda Baker said Thursday. “It’s definitely exciting to have young guys come in here and understand football and understand the things that I can tell him that would ultimately be helping him out.”
Even before Thomas’ injury, Johnson was already working his way up the depth chart behind plenty of first-team reps.
By Day 2, the rookie was a part of a three-cornerback rotation on the outside. Max Melton and Thomas rounded out the group before the latter went down.
So far, the high-end snaps are paying off.
Cardinals rookie CB Will Johnson is seeing the game slow down this training camp as he gets more and more comfortable in Arizona’s defense. pic.twitter.com/Xe8BnB4eEf
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 31, 2025
“It’s just starting to slow down a little bit,” Johnson said Thursday. “Once you start getting more reps and going against the guys full speed and start to see things, it allows you to slow things down and get a little more comfortable.”
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If Johnson can continue on this trajectory, he’ll very much be in the mix for starting reps alongside Melton and Garrett Williams.
Williams, who is expected to see more snaps along the outside in base defense, is a player the Cardinals want to keep on the field.
That’s where Melton or Johnson come in, with either serving as perimeter options.
If Williams continues his role as the nickel, a position he’s played since Year 1 in Arizona, that opens up two outside spots for Melton and Johnson.
Either way, playing time is in reach for the rookie. He just has to 1) continue to leave an impression on his teammates and coaching staff and 2) stay healthy.
“He’s snapping. Will’s everything everybody thinks he would be,” Melton said Sunday. “He’s lengthy, he’s fast, quick. … You could tell like it seems like he’s been here for a while now.”
Will Johnson seeing a more polished Marvin Harrison Jr.
Part of those first-team reps include plenty of battles with former college foe and offseason training partner Marvin Harrison Jr. before the wide receiver’s knee soreness sidelined him for a low-tempo Day 7.
Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. Will Johnson during Day 5 of Cardinals training camp.
This is gonna be a fun battle to watch moving forward. pic.twitter.com/7ze2pM50I1
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 28, 2025
The two faced off twice (2022, 2023) during their Ohio State and Michigan days.
They’ve blown by that number this camp, with more iron-sharpens-iron moments in store.
“I’m expecting a lot from him this year.”
Cardinals rookie CB Will Johnson is seeing a more polished Marvin Harrison Jr. through their early training camp battles. pic.twitter.com/OcRlWp415W
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 1, 2025
“I’m playing him at the end of the year for one game and that’s the biggest game of the year. Now, it’s every day,” Johnson said. “It’s cool and it’s great because we get great competition.
“He’s definitely polished his game up a little bit,” the cornerback added. “I’m expecting a lot from him this year.”
Will Johnson cementing himself on and off the field in Arizona
Aside from projecting as a major contributor to Arizona’s defense for years to come and making the most out of each training camp practice, Johnson also took the time to give back to the community he was drafted into.
On Wednesday, Johnson hosted a back-to-school event where he handed out backpacks and school supplies to Maryvale High School students.
Cardinals rookie CB Will Johnson is looking to cement himself on and off the field in Arizona.
His back-to-school event at Maryvale High School on Wednesday was a step in the right direction. pic.twitter.com/5MOf4YaFsN
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 1, 2025
“That’s just a big thing for me. I feel like with everything I’m given, I want to make sure I give back,” Johnson said.
“I think it was a perfect timing with school about to come back. I just wanted to do that and kind of cement myself in the community a little bit before the season started.”
This is far from Johnson’s first time giving back, as the cornerback has hosted football camps and turkey and toy giveaways around the holidays the past few years.
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