A blue-chip prospect who would have been the first cornerback selected in this year's draft had he been eligible, Johnson offers a tantalizing combination of size, speed, physicality and ball skills. The 6-foot-2, 202-pounder projects as an immediate difference-maker similar to the Broncos' Patrick Surtain Jr., registering seven interceptions over his first two seasons at the college level.
The Commanders laid a firm foundation for the roster with their 2024 draft picks, but the defense still lacks youth on the edge. Williams is the most impressive 2025 prospect I've watched on tape so far. He played a lot of defensive tackle last season and still had 4.5 sacks, but he's transitioning to a full-time outside linebacker role this year. He's still only 19 years old and has so much upside. In fact, I think he's a potential No. 1 pick candidate next April.
The Commanders' starting tackles Cornelius Lucas and Andrew Wylie are both on the wrong side of 30, with Lucas facing free agency after next season. Campbell features prototypical size (6-6, 325 pounds) and started at left tackle for the Tigers as a true freshman in 2022, which means he already has two years experience protecting Washington QB Jayden Daniels' blindside.
At 6-5, McMillan brings mismatch potential with his size and finishing skills. There are some areas of his game that scouts want to see developed this season, but his athletic adjustment skills and sticky hands make him a quarterback-friendly target.
Like New England, Washington spent multiple picks in the 2024 NFL Draft in search of solutions on the offensive line. They also kick off their 2025 draft by selecting a franchise left tackle, Kelvin Banks Jr. He allowed just one sack and one quarterback hit en route to an 86.8 pass-blocking grade in 2023.
The Washington Commanders addressed their quarterback need during the 2024 NFL Draft, but the 2025 draft likely will address the No. 32 ranked defense. Will Johnson is a press cornerback without outstanding size (6-foot-2, 202 pounds) and athleticism (4.44-second 40-yard dash). He could be one of the top cornerbacks off the board next year.
If Hunter is the premier ballhawk in this class, Johnson is its top overall cover man — and one fully capable of being the first player selected at his position. The 6-2, 202-pounder can drape an assortment of receivers all over the field, making him a highly desirable piece to help counteract NFL passing attacks.
After being bombarded for a league-worst 262.2 yards per game through the air last year, the Commanders only made minor improvements to their secondary, signing cornerback Michael Davis and safety Jeremy Chinn before drafting second-round nickel Mike Sainristil. Expect another tough go in 2024 before the organization gets its shot at Johnson, who would be the most exciting cornerback for Washington since Champ Bailey.
