The NFL Scouting Combine begins next week in Indianapolis (Feb. 29-March 3). And among the record 18 Michigan football players who will be in attendance is receiver Cornelius Johnson.
Below, we look at Johnson’s career at Michigan, what scouts like about his game, drawbacks to his scouting profile and preview his week at the NFL Combine.
Cornelius Johnson enjoyed a productive five-year career at Michigan. After arriving on-campus as a four-star recruit and the top prospect from the state of Connecticut, the receiver appeared in 12 games as a freshman in 2019, catching his first touchdown from Shea Patterson against Michigan State.
After starting half of U-M’s games in the shortened 2020 season, Johnson emerged as the Wolverines’ leading receiver in 2021 in the wake of Ronnie Bell’s injury. He led Michigan in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns en route to a Big Ten title. He again led the team in receiving scores in 2022, highlighted by his 160 yards and two touchdowns against Ohio State. Though his 2023 season was somewhat overshadowed statistically by Roman Wilson, Johnson had a career high in receptions (47), added 40 rushing yards and improved as a blocker to help U-M on its path to an undefeated season.
Cornelius Johnson: What NFL scouts like
Measuring in at 6-foot-3, Johnson is a bigger receiver who has an NFL frame. As best evidenced by the 2022 Ohio State game, he pairs that size with speed, good route-running and the ability to stay on his feet through contact.
