According to Sports Illustrated's Grant Cohn, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson revealed that he had a formal interview with the San Francisco 49ers at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Cohn also noted that the interview did not include 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Kyle Shanahan did not participate in the 49ers' formal interview with Will Johnson according to Will Johnson.
— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) February 27, 2025
Each team is allowed up to 45 formal interviews with prospects but can conduct unlimited informal discussions.
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While the 49ers are widely expected to use their first pick—No. 11 overall—to bolster the trenches with an offensive or defensive lineman, addressing other needs, such as cornerback, shouldn't be ruled out.
With starting cornerback Charvarius Ward unlikely to return, Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, and Tre Avery are the only corners under contract beyond March 12.
Johnson (6-2, 202) played in just six games this past season due to a shoulder contusion and a turf toe injury. Despite his limited time on the field, he posted 14 tackles (one for a loss) and two interceptions—both returned for touchdowns. Opposing quarterbacks had an NFL passer rating of just 52.6 when targeting him.
Over his three seasons with the Wolverines, Johnson accumulated 68 tackles (four for a loss), nine interceptions, three touchdowns, and 10 passes defensed. He has earned a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of at least 76.7 in each of his collegiate seasons and did not allow a touchdown in his last two years.
