Michigan ties run deep, and that’s true for Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady and new general manager John Spytek. Is Will Johnson up next soon?
The shift in the Raiders’ identity has been monumental the last few months. Initially, the approval of Brady’s ownership bid elicited mixed reactions from Raider Nation. How could the quarterback behind the infamous “Tuck Rule” game now literally own the Raiders? Still, fans have accepted the idea of one of the league’s greatest winners bringing some mojo to the Silver and Black. Fast forward to mid-January and his influence is sending shockwaves following the dismissals of Antonio Pierce and Tom Telesco.
Regardless of your stance on the firings, the Raiders had already initiated a “hard reset.” While Ben Johnson opted for the Chicago Bears, the Raiders pressed forward. When you need help, you look to your blood; you look to a fellow Wolverine. Well, that’s exactly what Brady has done. Not only were Brady and Spytek teammates at Michigan, but they have winning ties with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, it should be noted that the Raiders haven’t made this official yet as of early Thursday morning, but the agreement is there according to reports.
Should the Raiders look to another Wolverine for help?
A big decision for this new Raiders brass is this year’s first-round pick. Currently sitting outside the top five, it’s widely accepted that both Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward would be out of reach for Las Vegas. Unless there’s a blockbuster trade, the Raiders will have to go with what they feel is the best talent available. That will be eerily similar to how Brock Bowers fell to them.
Will Johnson, one of the best defensive prospects in recent memory, could be a feasible option on Day 1 of the draft. Besides the Michigan ties, Johnson makes sense for a few reasons but let’s face it, last season proved how thin the Raiders secondary was. Yes, there’s some potential with Jakorian Bennett, Nate Hobbs, and Jack Jones—but clearly you can never have too much talent. Johnson could easily compete in that group—which speaks to his talent and ability.
WILL JOHNSON WITH A MONUMENTAL PICK SIX TO PUT MICHIGAN UP 20-10 ??
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) September 21, 2024
Johnson’s coverage instincts are near-elite level—his ability to recognize routes and then shut them down is noteworthy. More than that, modern NFL defenses covet versatility and Johnson has plenty of that; he’ll fit into any scheme regardless of who the next Raiders defensive coordinator is. His physical build, including size and length, is going to aid him in either stopping the run and obviously in coverage.
While he’s physical, sometimes it can be of detriment—that’s especially true as he can get a little too “handsy,” but that can be corrected with the right coaching. Johnson will be a wall that opposing receivers are going to run into; you can bet both Brady and Spytek know the value in that. The last time that the Raiders drafted a highly coveted Michigan defensive player, it worked out well.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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