Mike Tannenbaum, a former NFL executive, leaned on his front-office experience in his latest mock draft for ESPN. The former New York Jets general manager (2006-12) and Miami Dolphins executive vice president of football operations (2015-18), now an analyst, took a unique approach—rather than predicting picks based on league buzz, he made selections as if he were running each team himself.
Tannenbaum instead decided to put himself into the shoes of the 32 general managers around the NFL, and project the first-round selections based on what he would do if he were running each organization.
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While many experts expect the San Francisco 49ers to address their pressing needs in the trenches—both offensive and defensive line—Tannenbaum went in a different direction, prioritizing the secondary instead. With the 11th overall pick, he has the 49ers selecting Michigan cornerback Will Johnson.
"A lot of holes here -- the offensive tackle, receiver and cornerback groups could all use a look," Tannenbaum explained. "But the Niners allowed 25.6 points per game last season (29th), and they didn't really replace the lost talent on that side of the ball in free agency. That includes Charvarius Ward's spot at outside cornerback."
The 49ers met with Johnson at the NFL Scouting Combine. Injuries limited his final college season, as he battled shoulder and turf toe issues, appearing in only six games. Johnson finished with 14 tackles (one for a loss), three passes defensed, and two interceptions—both returned for touchdowns, per Sports Reference.
Notably, according to Pro Football Focus, opposing quarterbacks posted an NFL passer rating of just 52.6 when targeting him in 2024.
"Johnson could be a day one starter there," Tannenbaum continued. "At 6-2 and 194 pounds, he has ideal size and physicality at the position. I see great instincts when I watch him play ball, too. I know he missed time in 2024 with his foot injury, but he has nine career interceptions and all the traits to be a frontline corner in the pros.
"Landing Johnson would be a good start to the draft for San Francisco, which has 11 picks over three days."
In addition to his nine career interceptions, Johnson totaled 68 tackles (four for a loss), three touchdowns, and 10 passes defensed during his three seasons at Michigan.
