The Bengals pick 17th next month.
Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) watches warm up before the Oregon game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
CINCINNATI — The Bengals need help across the defense as this offseason rolls on and Sports Illustrated’s Daniel Flick could see them drafting a cornerback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
He has Cincinnati selecting Michigan CB Will Johnson at No. 17.
“Once a projected top-10 pick, it’s possible Johnson falls on draft day,” Flick wrote. “He missed six games in 2024 with turf toe and another because of a shoulder injury, and when he was healthy, he wasn’t as consistent as ’23. Still, Johnson is an athletic, instinctual corner with quality ball skills, and he’d immediately improve Cincinnati’s secondary.”
Johnson could end up a nice value option in the middle of the first round for a Bengals team that’s seen strong contributions from Cam Taylor-Britt at times but is still searching for a true lockdown option.
The 6-2, 194-pound playmaker is ranked 11th on the consensus big board and second among cornerbacks.
