"Charvarius Ward departed in free agency," Edwards explained. "San Francisco has done a great job finding secondary talent on Day 3 but identifying and drafting a cornerback in the first round gives the 49ers a more stable option."
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Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks Johnson as the No. 3 cornerback on its pre-draft big board, behind Travis Hunter and Jahdae Barron. In Edwards' mock, Hunter is taken at No. 2 by the Cleveland Browns, while Barron lands with the Arizona Cardinals at No. 16.
Johnson has emerged as a popular projected pick for the 49ers. According to NFL Mock Draft Database, 11.8% of mock drafts currently link the Michigan standout to San Francisco—more than any other prospect.
The 49ers met with Johnson at the NFL Scouting Combine. Despite shoulder and turf toe issues that limited his 2024 season, he appeared in six games, tallying 14 tackles (one for a loss), three passes defensed, and two interceptions—both returned for touchdowns, per Sports Reference.
According to PFF, opposing quarterbacks recorded an NFL passer rating of just 52.6 when targeting Johnson in 2024.
Across three seasons at Michigan, Johnson totaled 68 tackles (four for a loss), nine interceptions, three touchdowns, and 10 passes defensed. He earned a PFF coverage grade of at least 76.7 each season and did not allow a touchdown over his final two years.
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