Nohl Williams will bring intelligence and ball skills to the Chiefs’ defense

Kansas City’s newly-drafted cornerback plays with physicality and toughness.

With the 85th selection of the NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected California cornerback Nohl Williams. The team had moved up from the 95th pick by trading the 2026 fourth-round pick it acquired from the Chicago Bears in exchange for left guard Joe Thuney.

What is Kansas City getting in Williams? Let’s take a look.

Background

Coming out of Pacifica High School in Oxnard, Califronia, Williams was a three-star recruit who didn’t get a single Power-5 offer. So he enrolled at UNLV, where he was instant starter as an outside cornerback. He stayed there for three seasons, earning honorable mention All-MWC honors in 2022.

Williams then spent two years at California, where he broke out in 2024. He finished the season with seven interceptions, making the first-team All-ACC and All-American teams. He was also a semifinalist for both the Jim Thorpe and Chuck Bednarik awards.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Williams measured six feet and 199 pounds, with 30 3/4-inch arms and 9-inch hands. He ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash with 1.54-second 10-yard split. A 10-foot broad jump and 33.5-inch vertical jump were both below average, while his short shuttle and 3-cone times from his pro day were average.

Film evaluation

After watching four of Williams’ games, his intelligence, toughness, physicality and ball skills stand out.

Since he isn’t an overwhelming athlete, Williams uses his football IQ to be in the right position to win — and does it very well. He’s better playing in zone or off-coverage, where he can keep a cushion that limits how much recovery he might need. The film makes it clear: he’s always aware of what a receiver is doing.

Williams plays with toughness and physicality — and is always willing to tackle. I found multiple instances where he made booming hits on receivers who didn’t see him coming. He’s also active against the run, where he’s willing to take on blocks.

But Williams’ best trait might be his ball skills. His ability to track the ball (and play it in the air) is exceptional. His lack of length makes it harder for him to win at the catch point, but his intelligence and ball tracking put him in favorable positions to make plays on the ball.

There are, however, some concerns about Williams. I’m not confident about what he’ll be able to do in press coverage — which is where some of his athletic deficiencies can emerge. But when he can accurately predict what the receiver will do, his physicality and toughness come into play.

Williams also lacks ideal recovery athleticism, which shows up when he has to click-and-close or recover from releases. He was beaten off the line of scrimmage twice during the Miami game, giving up two easy slants when he couldn’t get back into position.

While Williams tracks the ball incredibly well — and fights hard at the catch point — his lack of length allows receivers to box him out; he can struggle to get his arms around a receiver’s frame to make a play on the football.

How does he fit with the Chiefs?

I believe Williams could seamlessly transition to the slot, where his skillset will work best — and where his zone-coverage skills and ability against the run will help him most. The Chiefs played more Quarters coverages in 2024. Williams could be one of the underneath defenders who can rob routes and tackle underneath.

But I’m less certain Williams can play outside in the NFL; I’m not sure he has the athleticism to make the transition. He was great while playing outside in college — but against bigger, faster receivers, I’d be worried about the ground he’ll have to cover.

The bottom line

I would grade Williams as a third or fourth-round player — so taking him with the 85th pick is justifiable. I do like many aspects of his game. He’s smart, physical and plays with passion. I would love seeing him in the Kansas City defense; he’s fun to watch.

I also have confidence in the Chiefs’ ability to evaluate defensive backs. If they wanted Williams, I’m even more excited about him.

But I’m skeptical about how well his athleticism will translate on the outside. Instead, I see him as a slot corner, where I’d be very comfortable with him. I think all the best aspects of his game are perfect for what modern slot defenders need to do.

Still, I trust Williams’ obvious intelligence to figure it out; I have a hard time believing he won’t find a role in Kansas City. While I don’t see a high ceiling for him, I like what he could bring to round out the defense.

For a third-round pick, that’s great value.