The Kansas City Chiefs needed to address their outside cornerback position this offseason despite having Trent McDuffie and Kristian Fulton. The issue is that they will face challenges if a starter were to get injured in 2025, and they do not have many players under contract for more than two years. In fact, three of their top five outside corners will hit free agency next offseason, which is not ideal.
Also Read: Kansas City Chiefs: Set to Sign Underrated Corner to 2-year Deal
The good news is that the Chiefs finally addressed one of their biggest weaknesses in the draft.
Kansas City Chiefs select ball-hawking prospect on Day 2
Auburn Football
Cal’s Nohl Williams secures Cal’s 3rd interception off of Payton Thorne during the 4th quarter of Auburn vs Cal on September 7, 2024. Photo by Luca Flores | Photo Editor | The Auburn Plainsman
The Kansas City Chiefs selected former California Golden Bears ballhawk Nohl Williams 85th overall in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. After spending the first three years of his college career at UNLV, Williams transferred to Cal for the 2023 season. He had a great two-year stint, recording 105 tackles, nine interceptions, one pick-six, and 15 pass deflections in 26 starts.
Nohl Williams had a breakout 2024 campaign, leading the entire nation in interceptions. Williams recorded 52 tackles, seven interceptions, one pick-six, and nine pass deflections, giving up 350 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an impressive 40.1 passer rating. His efforts earned him a First-Team All-ACC and a Second-Team All-American selection.
He signed his rookie contract
California Golden Bears, Nohl Williams
Nov 30, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; California Golden Bears defensive back Nohl Williams (3) in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the California Golden Bears at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
According to Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap, the Kansas City Chiefs have signed Nohl Williams to a rookie contract. As Fitzgerald points out, the deal is for four years and is worth $6,335,512 with a $1,247,644 signing bonus. He has an opportunity to negotiate and sign a contract extension during the 2028 offseason once he finishes his third regular season in the NFL.
Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report on the ballhawk
Lance Zierlein
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network Draft media analyst Lance Zierlein during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“Long cornerback with eye-popping interception totals that could skew his evaluation. Williams operated out of press man, quarters and Cover 3 looks. He lacks disruption from press, but he does a nice job of trailing routes and finding the football.
“He can be a little slow to open his hips and phase route breaks, but he possesses enough burst to close the distance when beaten. He’s eager from zone with instincts and ball skills to make plays on the throw. Williams’ inconsistency in run support could be a concern, but his size and ball production are hard to ignore.”
He predicts that he will become a good backup with the potential to develop into a starter.
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