We are still three-plus months away from the 2025 NFL draft, and a lot can change as the pre-draft process unfolds. However, Jacksonville Jaguars fans should start to become quite familiar with these two prospects.
As the latest edition of our ‘Mock Draft Roundup’ illustrates, two very popular selections for the Jaguars at fifth overall are two Michigan defenders, one being cornerback Will Johnson and the other being defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Johnson has good size at 6-2 – 202 pounds. He played in only six games this season due to a turf toe injury, however, he put together an impressive career at Michigan.
In three seasons that spanned over 1,300 defensive snaps, Johnson allowed a completion rate of just 53% at 13.4 yards per catch with nine interceptions and seven pass breakups. For what it’s worth, he also graded out well as a run defender by PFF’s metrics.
For a closer look at Johnson’s game, here is a snippet of what Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network had to say in his draft profile:
“Johnson shows off uncommon vision, reaction speed, and processing ability for his experience level. He’s a sharp and patient zone defender with a deep bag of techniques, who has bug-like stimuli and reaction quickness in off-man and working layered routes.”
#Michigan CB Will Johnson has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. A big, easy moving playmaker with excellent ball skills. pic.twitter.com/GRhRFZckNw
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 11, 2024
Graham, meanwhile, played just shy of 1,300 defensive snaps in his three seasons at Michigan, which included a career high of 548 this past year. As a pass rusher, Graham logged 34 pressures and five sacks in 2024, but his calling card is as a run defender, both in making plays himself and freeing up others with the space he occupies and blockers he takes on.
For more on Graham, here is a glimpse at what Cummings said about him in his pre-draft profile:
“At 6’3″, 318 pounds, Graham defies expectations with his elite explosiveness and lateral agility at his size. And he compounds those elite physical tools with a relentless motor that never rests. Graham’s energized athleticism allows him to attack and reset, and his strength and power drive the nail further.”
#Michigan iDL Mason Graham vs. Ohio St.
The Buckeyes simply couldn’t move him inside. This is a top 10 pick all day long. Turn in the card. pic.twitter.com/qsrAlHpaka
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 2, 2024
This past season, the Jaguars’ pass defense ranked 30th in yards per pass attempt allowed, showing the efficiency and big play potential opposing offenses had against them. Along the defensive front, Graham would pair very well in the middle between Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
