Many NFL fans are shocked to see two highly touted prospects quickly free-falling down draft boards, but one NFL insider has explained that the reasoning is quite simple.
Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, ranked as the best amongst their respective positions on PFSN’s 2025 NFL draft prospect rankings, have seen their names take a steep fall down draft boards.
While fans scour the internet in search of theories as to why, NFL insider Albert Breer explained the answer to why two players who seemed to be sure-fire first-rounders wait longer than expected to hear their names called.Â
Why First Round Talents Will Johnson and Jihaad Campbell Slipped
Breer explained that lingering injuries were the reason for the free-falling of two prospects with the raw talent to be drafted early in the first round.
We mentioned in the Monday column that teams had serious medical concerns on Michigan CB Will Johnson and Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell. At this point, 23 picks in, it's very fair to surmise it's why both are still on the board. https://t.co/aCPM7FY6xs
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer)
“Michigan CB Will Johnson has a knee issue that’s been flagged. It shouldn’t affect him in the short term, but teams are concerned it could impact his longevity.” Breer later added that it would not be surprising if Johnson slid, which he did, maybe even more than Breer expected.
Johnson had surgery on his knee in the spring of 2023, which caused him to miss the first three games of Michigan’s championship season. Teams are believed to be unwilling to risk first-round draft capital on Johnson, who is uncertain about his long-term future playing football at the highest level.
Campbell’s injury is also a concern for teams with first-round selections. Although it occurred much more recently, it isn’t expected to be as long-term and lingering as the injury Johnson is managing.
“Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell had shoulder surgery after the combine, and teams are projecting him as a candidate to start the season on PUP.”
Campbell’s surprising slide ended at pick 31 when the Eagles traded up with the Chiefs to make the selection.
Although Campbell is not expected to be ready for camp and make a massive impact in his rookie year, he fits nicely on a Super Bowl contender like the Eagles. Campbell won’t need to come in and make a difference in year one on a stacked Eagles defense. Instead, he can take his time to heal the shoulder while surrounded by superstars, which will surely aid his long-term development.
For Johnson, the former national champion cornerback, he will have to wait until day two to hear his name called, fulfilling his NFL dreams. But expect the talented CB to be selected early in the second round, subsequently ending his shocking slide.
Although Johnson and Campbell are most likely discouraged seeing their names drop down draft boards, their dreams of being impactful players in the NFL are still very much obtainable. Let’s hope they both regain their health and return to full strength soon.
