News Now: ESPN claims a Michigan football draftee was the second-best selection in entire 2025 NFL Draft
A series of injuries dropped Michigan football star Will Johnson completely out of the first round. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, during Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, teams were worried about Johnson’s knee. But the fall ended when the Arizona Cardinals selected Johnson with the 47th pick in the draft during the second round.
While Johnson went in Round 2, ESPN’s Matt Miller believes Johnson was the second-best pick of the entire draft. The Cardinals got a steal with Miller’s 7th-best player on his big board.
In a glowing post-draft analysis, ESPN has ranked a former University of Michigan football standout as the second-most valuable pick in the entire 2025 NFL Draft. The evaluation places the Wolverines’ product among the elite of this year’s rookie class, highlighting not only his immense talent but also the long-term impact he is projected to have in the league.
The recognition follows a strong college career marked by standout performances, leadership, and consistent improvement. ESPN’s experts cited the player’s versatility, football IQ, and pro-ready skill set as key reasons why he was such a tremendous value at his draft position. Although his name wasn’t the very first off the board on draft night, analysts are confident that the team that selected him secured a future star who could shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
What makes this ranking particularly significant is the depth and talent of the 2025 draft class. With several highly touted prospects at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line, earning such a high post-draft grade is a major testament to both the player’s potential and his performance leading up to the draft. According to ESPN’s report, many teams viewed him as a top-five talent, and some were surprised he slipped even slightly on draft night.
While ESPN stopped short of naming him the absolute best pick overall, labeling him as the second-best choice across all seven rounds still puts him in elite company. The report also touched on how well the player fits into the system of his new team, describing the pairing as “ideal” in terms of scheme, coaching staff, and immediate opportunity for playing time.
Back in Ann Arbor, the recognition has generated excitement among Michigan fans, who watched this player develop from a promising recruit into one of the most dominant forces in college football. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore praised the draftee for his work ethic and dedication to improvement. “He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better,” Moore said in a recent interview. “He’ll be a great pro because he never stops learning and competing.”
Social media buzz has also followed ESPN’s praise, with NFL fans and analysts debating whether this Michigan alum might soon make a serious run for Rookie of the Year honors. With training camp still a few months away, expectations are already high, and all eyes will be on how quickly he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the pro game.
For Michigan, this acknowledgment serves as yet another testament to the program’s ability to produce top-tier NFL talent. And for the player himself, being named the second-best pick of the draft is not just an honor — it’s motivation to live up to the hype and prove that ESPN might have even underestimated him.
