The Green Bay Packers need to find their Jaire Alexander replacement somehow, some way.
Brian Gutekunst can attempt to remain mysterious with his intentions all he wants, but he ain't fooling anyone. Alexander is still technically on the roster, but he's as good as gone. Maybe Gutekunst can work his magic and find a trade partner, but a post-draft release is a realistic and painful eventuality.
Michigan's Will Johnson looked like the dream replacement — until now.
An unrealistic target at No. 23? Perhaps, but there were enough concerns for analysts to believe Johnson could fall into the Packers' lap. Based on talent alone, he should be a top-10 pick.
You may have noticed the phrasing: "looked like" a dream target. As in, the past tense.
Only Gutekunst and his inner circle truly know which prospects sit near the top of the board, but recent draft intel may cause the Packers to drastically rethink their plans.
Will Johnson's injury concern might take him off the Packers' board
According to The MMQB's Albert Breer, there are concerns about Johnson's "longevity" due to a knee issue.
"Michigan CB Will Johnson has a knee issue that's been flagged. It shouldn't affect him in the short term, but teams are concerned it could impact his longevity," writes Breer. "Add to the questions on Johnson's long speed, which were not allayed when he decided not to run a 40, and the Wolverine star could slide."
That's concerning. It raises a question: If Johnson falls to No. 23, do the Packers bank on his All-Pro potential even if there are injury concerns?
Of course, we don't know the full situation, but if "teams are concerned," as Breer notes, it might be enough for the Packers to look elsewhere.
The draft is all about the future. Teams want to find game-changing contributors who can make an impact well beyond their rookie contracts. It's why Green Bay prefers younger prospects, even if they need time to develop.
Time will tell whether Johnson falls on draft night. All it takes is one team to fall in love with his talent, which is understandable, for the Michigan star to not even make it to No. 23.
Green Bay has already lost three cornerbacks this offseason, not including Alexander. Gutekunst may double or triple down to restock the depth chart. However, Johnson falling on draft night could impact everything, as it could push another cornerback up the board and take one big name off the Packers'.
Only time will tell, but for Packers fans hoping for Will Johnson at No. 23, that dream may already be over.
