CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 SPORTS) -- Only a few days from a moment years in the making, Anthony Johnson is spending his time working out with Virginia teammates and on the phone with his parents before the NFL Draft.

"Kind of nerve-wracking, but exciting knowing that all the hard things are done, knowing that the 40 and all the drills are done," Johnson said at the McCue Center, "Just meeting with teams, sitting and getting calls, just trying to get an idea of what team you're going to go to, but you never really have an idea."

Johnson was meeting up with wide receivers Dontayvion Wicks and Keytaon Thompson, who along with defensive back Darrius Bratton are the four draft hopefuls from UVA, for one of their last workouts in Charlottesville before teams call them across the country. The Florida native has also spent this week on the phone with NFL teams checking for draft day numbers, backup numbers and the closest airports for when his name comes off the board.

"This was my goal that I set out to do," Johnson said, "I didn't know how it would happen, I didn't know when."

The former Louisville defensive back has made the most out of the last two seasons at Virginia, being named first team All-ACC this past year with five interceptions as a Cavalier. Johnson is expected to hear his name on day three of the draft and is currently ranked No. 183 on Pro Football Focus' draft board.

"Being a tall and longer corner, teams need that," Johnson said, "Playing the cornerback position, I feel like it's a position where it's a necessity of the NFL and you need big corners to guard big receivers. I think they see my game as really solid."

Wicks is projected to be the first Virginia player off the board in the fourth to fifth round range after a lengthy pre-draft process alongside Johnson. The 6'2" wide receiver started in February with the Senior Bowl then traveling to the NFL Combine and then Virginia's Pro Day before taking team visits.

"Great experience having things to look forward to, but that's making me more money every time I step out," Wicks said at UVA's Pro Day, "The Senior Bowl going out there and perform at my best against some of the best. It showed me a lot with the interview process being able to talk to a lot of coaches."

After a breakout 2021 season setting the UVA single-season receiving yards record and being named first team All-ACC, Wicks and the rest of the offense struggled last year finishing with 430 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. The topic of last season was the predominant topic as Wicks took visits with the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers among others.

"It was a bad season for the team and how I've overcome that, overcoming adversity," Wicks said, "It was a great experience talking to the coaches letting them know about me, more about me and not just what they've seen in 2022."

Thompson and Bratton did not have the elaborate pre-draft process like their teammates, but both impressed at pro day and hope to either hear their names called or sign as undrafted free agents.

As the draft continues to play out this week, Johnson will be back home in Florida on Saturday where his parents are planning somewhat of a surprise NFL Draft watch party as the waiting game takes place. Since his college football journey took place in Louisville and Virginia, the watch party will be a chance for Johnson to be surrounded by friends and family who have not always gotten to see him play over the last six years.

No matter where the journey ends, Johnson is grateful where his path has taken him so far.

"Just being in this position now, just really grateful, I just thank God that this transition worked out smooth with Coach Bronco and Coach Elliott's staff as well," Johnson said, "They were both great staffs, great people and they all played a role in me getting to where I am today."