The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2025 offseason. With free agency as the next big event to shape next season’s roster, it will be followed by the NFL draft in April. The Steelers will have a number of decisions with players who were on the 2024 roster and will have the opportunity to add some free agent acquisitions before making their first draft selection. The NFL combine and player pro days will also shape the team’s big boards before the draft.

When talking about mock drafts or NFL free agency, one first has to first identify the team’s main needs for the offseason. Before any gains or losses in free agency, there are some who would like to see the Steelers go with either cornerback or defensive line with their first-round pick. Others feel wide receiver or even quarterback could be on top of the list. With plenty of chances for the Steelers to shape their roster prior to April, their goal is usually to get into position to draft the best player available rather than target a specific position. When it comes to what position the team will select with their first pick, it is certainly up for debate.

In the latest one-round mock draft by NFL.com, they have the Steelers addressing the cornerback position this season before anything else. With the Steelers needing to add to this position group in either free agency or the draft, selecting a cornerback in the first round would be a good idea if the right player is there. Since the Steelers could go in any number of directions with their first selection, it is important to look at all the possibilities presented by various mock draft outlets.

Check out the Steelers 21st pick:

21. Pittsburgh Steelers | Will Johnson  | CB | Michigan | JR |

Being early in the draft process, there may be some players most fans are not familiar with. If this is the case, here is a breakdown of Johnson according to bleacherreport.com:

Will Johnson

• HEIGHT: 6’2″
• WEIGHT: 202

POSITIVES

— Johnson has excellent length and size with a filled out frame.

— Plays with a patient, controlled backpedal. He flashes quick breaks with little wasted movement.

— He has coverage versatility to play both man and zone coverages, though he looks more comfortable when he is able to see and play the quarterback.

— Plays with anticipation and looks to make a play on the ball. He tries to rip through the catch point when not in position to play the ball.

— Strong tackler who looks to front up ball-carriers, wrapping them up for little extra yards.

NEGATIVES

— Inconsistent breaking with below average change of direction at times. He can get stuck in the mud and struggle with double moves. Allows too much separation when on top of route.

— Has a gambler mentality at times when playing the ball. This often pulls him out of position.

— Too handsy at times when working downfield. This can lead him to losing track of the ball and falling out of phase.

2024 STATISTICS

— 6 Games, 14 Tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INT, 3 PBU

NOTES

— Born Mar. 29, 2003

— Games Started: 32

— 4-Star recruit in the 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: Only played in 6 games due to a turf toe injury

— 2023 CFP National Champion; CFB National Championship Game Defensive MVP; First-Team All-American; First-Team All-Big Ten

— 2022 Freshman All-American

OVERALL

Will Johnson is a standout cornerback prospect from Michigan, bringing a rare combination of size, length, and physicality to the position. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 202 pounds, Johnson has the ideal frame for an NFL cornerback, complemented by a filled-out build that enhances his ability to compete at a high level. His performance in both man and zone coverage and his versatility and aggressive playing style make him a highly-regarded prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Johnson’s length and size are key assets in coverage, where he displays a patient and controlled backpedal, allowing him to stay balanced and ready to break on the ball. His ability to play both man and zone coverages provides valuable versatility, though he appears more comfortable when able to keep his eyes on the quarterback and react to the play as it develops. Johnson’s anticipation in coverage stands out, as he actively looks to make plays on the ball, often trying to rip through the catch point when he’s not in position to intercept. However, Johnson’s change of direction can be inconsistent, which sometimes leads to difficulties when reacting to double moves or staying close on top of routes. This can result in allowing too much separation at critical moments. Additionally, his gambler mentality, while occasionally leading to big plays, can also pull him out of position and expose his coverage to risk.

In the run game, Johnson is a strong, reliable tackler who takes pride in his physicality. He excels at boxing in runners and ensuring secure tackles, demonstrating a keen understanding of leverage and pursuit angles. His ability to blitz off the edge adds another dimension to his game, as he shows the ability to bend and disrupt plays in the backfield. Johnson’s top-end speed is evident in open-field situations, where he has shown the ability to chase down ball carriers and prevent long gains.

Will Johnson projects as one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s draft, with the potential to be an impact player early in his NFL career. His combination of size, length, physicality and versatility in coverage make him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme. While he will need to refine his change of direction and reduce his tendency to gamble in coverage, Johnson’s ability to disrupt plays both in the air and on the ground gives him a high ceiling. With proper coaching and development, Johnson can potentially become a top-tier defensive back in the NFL.

GRADE: 8.8 (Impact Player — 1st Round)

OVERALL RANK: 5

POSITION RANK: CB2

PRO COMPARISON: James Bradberry

For all you who are preparing yourself for the draft, what do you think of the selection? Would you be on board with the Steelers taking Johnson with their first pick? Or do you feel there is a better player at this position, a different one who may still be available, or that Johnson will not make it to the 21st pick? Personally, I went against my normal formula of not picking the same position two weeks in a row, especially early in the process. But for Will Johnson to actually get projected at 21 is not something that should be expected to happen again for me to highlight him at another time. Yes, the NFL combine has not happened yet and Johnson missed a significant portion of the 2024 season, but it’s rare to see Johnson projected outside of the top 12, and this is the only mock draft I saw him last beyond pick 15. Unless a significant red flag arises throughout the pre-draft process, I don’t think Johnson should be and expected option for the Steelers at 21. But if he happened to be there, I think the Steelers would be wise to make the selection.