Typically, whenever collegiate prospects are compared to NFL stars who are already established, our antenna picks up this weird signal. Its frequency is seemingly more sensitive when the professional star referenced is on the Philadelphia Eagles' roster.
This happened again recently. In this instance, we were perusing some of our favorite platforms. We came across something that caught our eye from Pro Football Focus. Trevor Sikkema recently released a nice write-up discussing the 20 prospects they view as the coming NFL Draft's best players.
PFF's case study involved a Milton Williams mention. He's Sikkema's pro comparison for Walter Nolen of the Ole Miss Rebels. One of the draft's top cornerback prospects, Will Johnson, drew a Patrick Surtain II comp. That was later altered on social media.
PFF comps two-time All-American Will Johnson to Eagles cornerback Darius Slay.
The 2024 college football campaign wasn't Will Johnson's best. He missed all but six games because of injuries, but here's how good he is. He still racked up 14 tackles, three pass breakups, and two pick-sixes en route to a Second-Team All-Big Ten nod and Second-Team All-American nomination.
PFF recently amended its story and adjusted Johnson's comp. He's now been compared to not one but, two All-Pros. The most recent of which is Darius Slay.
Johnson no doubt saw some of Slay's tenure in Detroit while the latter played for the Lions. The former Wolverines standout (Johnson) was born in the Motor City and attended Grosse Pointe South High School in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.
Slay played for the Lions from 2013-2019.
Johnson is probably best known for being part of the Maize and Blue's run to glory during the 2023-24 College Football Playoff. He earned First-Team All-Big Ten and First-Team All-American honors at season's end to show appreciation for his efforts.
As mentioned earlier, he also earned a Second-Team Big Ten nod and Second-Team All-American mention during this most recent college football season. He was named a Freshman All-American in 2022.
Slay is a two-time Eagles team captain who has racked up three Pro Bowl nods during his five seasons in the City of Brotherly Love. He has crafted a potential Pro Football Hall of Fame resume rather quietly. His three aforementioned Pro Bowl nods in an Eagles jersey are part of six he won in total.
He also led the league in interceptions en route to his First-Team All-Pro nod after the 2017. He was the first NFL star to intercept a pass thrown by Carson Wentz. Oh, and by the way, he's also a Super Bowl champion.
Slay's resume adds credence to our previous statement. We'd typically avoid comparing a draft prospect's game to an NFL veteran's career. That often sets a high bar few rookies can live up to.
Will Johnson is certainly special though, so if we're going to draw comparisons, we're tempted to let this one slide. A quick study reveals there are similarities in their games.
And, it doesn't hurt that Johnson wore the Number 2 jersey while playing at Michigan.
We've gotten to know him well over these recent NCAA seasons. His decision to play his college ball with the Michigan Wolverines has helped his visibility. If he lives up to the hype, he'll be a fantastic addition to the NFL team that selects him during the upcoming NFL Draft.
Land in Philly is unlikely, but don't be shocked if they add a cornerback come April. Darius Slay could land elsewhere (possibly Detroit), and fellow veteran Isaiah Rodgers is one of Philly's impending unrestricted free agents.
