Michigan Cornerback Will Johnson Announces Meeting with 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers could be looking to upgrade the corner position this offseason and they could look to April’s draft to do so.
The San Francisco 49ers could be looking to upgrade the corner position this offseason and they could look to April’s draft to do so.
Reports are that they’re talking to one of the top cornerbacks available in Indianapolis during the week of the NFL Scouting Combine
Michigan Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson told 49ers on SI that he has already had a formal meeting with San Francisco this week. The 49ers pick at No. 11 overall in the first round and speculation is that Johnson might not be there by then.
No. 11 would be the highest the 49ers have picked a corner since Ronnie Lott in 1981 at No. 8. With Robert Saleh back in the fold at defensive coordinator, defensive picks will be at a premium for San Francisco.
Lance Zierlein had this to say about Johnson in his NFL Draft Overview for the Michigan corner:
“Teams love big, fluid cornerbacks with ball production and that is exactly what Johnson offers. He’s instinctive and plays with good body control and change of direction in space. He can play man coverage, but he’s at his best when playing with his eyes forward instead of chasing routes downfield. Johnson displays good pre-snap recognition and can read and anticipate routes/throws at a high level. While he plays the role of thief in coverage, he needs to balance that mentality with a healthy respect for NFL route-runners, as he might lack the recovery speed to close the distance at a desired rate.
“He has coveted traits and his areas of concern fail to stand out as impediments for what could become a long, successful career as a future Pro Bowler.”
