Chargers and Jim Harbaugh Secure Elite Defender in Latest Mock Draft

Chargers, Jim Harbaugh Target Top Michigan Defender in Latest Mock Draft

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has a strong connection to the Michigan Wolverines, and there’s increasing speculation that he could select one of their top players in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, fans and analysts are busy making their predictions. Many mock drafts have the Los Angeles Chargers taking a Michigan player with their first-round pick.

While many expect star tight end Colston Loveland to be the choice at No. 22, one mock draft suggests another Wolverine—Will Johnson—could be selected instead.

It seems unlikely that Johnson, regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the draft, would fall to No. 22. However, he has dropped a bit in some recent mock drafts, and there is a chance he could still be available when the Chargers make their pick.

Jason Reed of Bolt Beat shared his thoughts on the possibility of Johnson being available for the Chargers:

“While it’s more likely that Johnson will be taken before the Chargers are on the clock, what if he’s still there? The Chargers would have a hard time passing up his exceptional talent, especially given his ties to Jim Harbaugh. It would also shift the entire course of their draft.”

“Cornerback might not be at the top of the Chargers’ need list, but that shouldn’t stop them from selecting Johnson if he’s still available. He’s one of the best cornerbacks in this draft and has the potential to be a standout player in the NFL.”

While it’s still unlikely that Johnson will be there at No. 22, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. If he is, it’s hard to imagine Harbaugh and the Chargers passing up the chance to land one of the top corners in this year’s draft. If Johnson is taken earlier, the Chargers could still look to add other Wolverines, such as tight end Colston Loveland or defensive lineman Kenneth Grant.

Harbaugh has a well-known affection for players he coached at Michigan, and if one of those players is available at No. 22, don’t be surprised if Harbaugh leads the push to bring them to the Chargers, turning Los Angeles into “Michigan West.”