Michigan defensive back Will Johnson follows a play against Texas in the first half in Ann Arbor on Sept. 7. (AP file photo)

TEMPE, Ariz. — Will Johnson’s first few moments as a member of the Arizona Cardinals weren’t the best, with the cornerback still seething because of his fall from a potential top-10 pick to the second round because of injury concerns.

Two weeks later, he’s in a much better mood.

“Happy to be here, happy to get to work and happy to see what’s to come,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s demeanor has improved for many reasons, but mainly because his drop to the No. 47 overall selection meant he landed in Arizona. The Cardinals believe they’re an up-and-coming franchise under third-year coach Jonathan Gannon after finishing with an 8-9 record last season, which was a four-win improvement over 2023.

Now they’re embarking on a defensive overhaul in an effort to return to the postseason for the first time since 2021. The Cardinals have made it clear that the 22-year-old Johnson is one of the centerpieces for that effort.

He’ll get his first chance to reward that confidence on Friday, when the team opens rookie minicamp.

“You can tell they’re trying to win,” Johnson said. “They’ve got a lot of pieces on offense and you can tell they’re trying to get those same pieces on defenses to make it all come together. We’ve just got to get to work and prove we’re great players.”

The Cardinals used six of their seven picks during April’s draft on defensive players, adding Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen III at No. 16 before grabbing Johnson, who was a vital contributor during Michigan’s run to a national title in 2023.

Arizona also added Oregon edge rusher Jordan Burch in the third round, Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon in the fourth, Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke in the fifth and Nevada safety Kitan Crawford in the seventh. The only offensive player taken was Texas guard Hayden Conner.

The Cardinals also spent plenty of money on the defense during free agency, adding several veteran pieces, including Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Johnson said.

There is little concern about Johnson’s ability on the field, but slightly more angst about his injury history. He played in just six games last season with the Wolverines, missing several weeks while dealing with turf toe. There was also a hamstring issue that kept him out of Michigan’s pro day during the pre-draft process.

But the real red flag seems to be a knee issue that required surgery in 2023. Johnson said the injury hasn’t bothered him since and has been adamant there are no lingering effects.

“It’s all good,” Johnson said. “Ready to go.”

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