NFL Draft 2025: Will Johnson rising as 49ers target secondary help, Dolphins navigate Jalen Ramsey trade dilemma

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 21, 2025, 10:21 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers are eyeing Michigan CB Will Johnson to strengthen their defense, while the Miami Dolphins grapple with cap space issues and Jalen Ramsey’s hefty contract. With trade rumors swirling and draft boards shifting, both teams face critical decisions that could shape their seasons before the first pick is made.

NFL Draft 2025: Will Johnson rising as 49ers target secondary help, Dolphins navigate Jalen Ramsey trade dilemma

Shanahan eyes the future as Miami’s draft plans get tangled in Ramsey’s price tag (Image via: Getty images)

The countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft has officially hit crunch time, and the buzz isn’t just about top picks, it’s about front office chess. The San Francisco 49ers are exploring bold secondary upgrades, and Will Johnson, Michigan’s elite cornerback prospect, is right in their crosshairs. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins are stuck in a high-stakes cap puzzle, with a potential Jalen Ramsey trade looming large. As war rooms heat up and draft boards shift by the hour, the decisions made this week could define entire seasons.

Shanahan’s draft strategy sharpens while Dolphins juggle Ramsey dilemma

Miami Dolphins, CB Jalen Ramsey reportedly will explore a trade | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC

Behind the scenes, the 49ers are quietly preparing to pounce. With solid cap flexibility and a Super Bowl-ready core, San Francisco is believed to be circling Will Johnson as a potential game-changing addition to their defense. The 6’2” All-American corner isn’t just highly rated, he’s plug-and-play ready, boasting 9 INTs, elite ball skills, and a football IQ that’s earned him first-round buzz.

Shanahan’s squad doesn’t have many holes, but locking down the future of their secondary could be the key to staying dominant in the NFC. Johnson’s technique, athleticism, and proven production at Michigan make him one of the most complete cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class.

Ramsey’s price tag puts Dolphins in tight spot ahead of NFL Draft

Meanwhile in Miami, the mood is far more uncertain. Jalen Ramsey’s $21.1 million guaranteed salary is becoming a major obstacle as the Dolphins battle limited cap space and pressing needs on defense. Ramsey’s still a premier talent, but his 2023 knee injury and age are leading many front offices to hesitate. A post-June 1 trade could ease the cap hit, but it risks missing out on impact talent during the draft.
With the Dolphins trying to reset and the 49ers positioning to reload, both teams face pivotal decisions. Will Miami find a taker for Ramsey’s contract? Will San Francisco pull the trigger on Johnson and secure a cornerstone defender?
Also Read: Travis Kelce’s old tweet sparks new buzz as Chiefs gear up for 2025
NFL Draft Week is about more than just picks. It’s about timing, leverage, and vision. And as the clock winds down, the real winners will be the ones bold enough to act before the first name is even called.

Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

End of Article