NFL teams can face numerous challenges during the regular season, with injuries being a primary concern. The Seattle Seahawks are no different, and extended absences from key players like Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, Leonard Williams, or Devon Witherspoon could significantly impact their win total for the 2024 season.
Despite the potential for the Seahawks to achieve an 11 or 12-win season under rookie head coach Mike Macdonald, there’s always a chance they might fall short and end up with a top-10 draft pick. In Vinnie Iyer’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft for Sporting News, he projects that the Seahawks could select Michigan cornerback Will Johnson with the ninth overall pick. Iyer notes that while the Seahawks have some depth and stability issues beyond 2023 first-round pick Devon Witherspoon, Johnson could be a key addition as a potential shutdown corner.
Furthermore, drafting Johnson could be a more cost-effective solution for the left boundary corner position compared to giving Tre Brown a long-term contract extension. Although Brown has performed well, he would need to continue impressing in 2024 to justify such an investment, especially with the future financial commitments to Witherspoon and Riq Woolen.
In summary, if the Seahawks choose to go this route, Johnson could serve as a significant upgrade over Brown and potentially give Seattle one of the top cornerback groups in the NFL.