The Dallas Cowboys are widely considered to need a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft, but some experts believe their main focus should be on defense. While many mock drafts predict the Cowboys will select Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the 12th overall pick, ESPN’s Field Yates has a different view. Yates suggests the team will prioritize Michigan cornerback With Johnson instead.
Yates highlights a few reasons for this shift in focus. Last season, cornerback Trevon Diggs missed six games due to injury and is still recovering from knee surgery. Additionally, DaRon Bland, the other starting corner, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Jourdan Lewis, the team’s nickelback, is also set to become a free agent in March, further increasing the need for depth in the secondary.
At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, Johnson has the size and skills to thrive in the NFL. Yates notes that some scouts consider Johnson one of the highest-upside players in this year’s class, praising his ball skills and ability to cover receivers. Johnson played a crucial role in Michigan’s national championship run, with four interceptions in 2023 and two more return touchdowns in 2024. Over three years, he accumulated nine interceptions and 68 tackles.
NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein sees Johnson as a future Pro Bowler, particularly for his ability to read and anticipate routes. However, Zierlein mentions that Johnson excels more when playing in front of him rather than chasing receivers downfield. This shouldn’t be a concern for the Cowboys, as their new defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus, favors a zone-heavy defensive scheme, which suits Johnson’s strengths.
Dallas’ decision to prioritize a cornerback in the draft may be partly influenced by the departure of Al Harris. Harris, who served as the Cowboys’ defensive backs coach from 2020 to 2024, played a key role in developing All-Pro cornerbacks Diggs and Bland. However, Harris left for a similar position with the Chicago Bears after Mike McCarthy’s departure and the promotion of Brian Schottenheimer to offensive coordinator.
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson is the second-best cornerback in this year’s draft class, trailing only Colorado’s Travis Hunter, this year’s Heisman Trophy winner. They also rank him as the sixth-best prospect overall. However, the draft could see some movement, as they predict Jacksonville may trade up with the 49ers, taking Johnson at No. 11, just ahead of the Cowboys.
While the Cowboys need a running back, they may view cornerback as a more immediate need due to the uncertain futures of their current defensive backs. With Johnson’s potential to be a star at the next level, he could be an ideal addition to Dallas’ defense, especially with the changes to their coaching staff and the evolving dynamics in their secondary.
In conclusion, while the running back position is a significant concern for Dallas, the team may opt to address its defensive backfield first in the 2025 NFL Draft. Selecting Will Johnson could solidify the Cowboys’ secondary for years to come, allowing them to build on a defense that has the potential to be one of the league’s top units under Eberflus’ guidance.
