Nohl Williams is basically a magnet for the football. If you watched a single Cal game in 2024, you saw it. He wasn't just covering guys; he was taking the ball away like it belonged to him in the first place. When the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to grab him at pick 85 in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a lot of people started scrambling to check their draft guides.
Wait, who?
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If you were paying attention to the ACC, you knew exactly who. Williams led the entire FBS in interceptions with seven. Seven! That’s not just "good positioning." That is an elite, wide-receiver-level instinct for where the ball is going before the quarterback even lets it go. He’s the kind of player who makes you pay for every lazy slant or underthrown deep ball.
The Journey to the Kansas City Chiefs
Honestly, Nohl Williams didn't take the easy road to the NFL. He started out at UNLV. For three years, he was a solid, scrappy corner for the Rebels, but he wanted a bigger stage. He transferred to Berkeley to play for the California Golden Bears, and that's where the "ball-hawk" label really stuck.
By the time the Nohl Williams NFL draft cycle really heated up in early 2025, scouts were obsessed with his 2024 tape. He wasn't just a lockdown corner; he was a scoring threat. He had a 40-yard pick-six against Miami and an 80-yard kickoff return touchdown. The Chiefs, who under Steve Spagnuolo love physical, versatile secondary players, saw a guy who could play press-man, help on special teams, and—most importantly—flip the field.
Why Steve Spagnuolo Loves Him
Spags doesn't want "soft" corners. If you can't tackle, you don't play in Kansas City. Williams fits that "chippy" mold perfectly. He’s 6-foot-tall and weighs about 200 pounds, but he plays like he’s 220.
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During the pre-draft process, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler called him an "outstanding run defender." That’s high praise for a guy who makes his living in the air. He sets a hard edge. He doesn't shy away from contact. He’s basically a heat-seeking missile when he sees a screen pass developing.
- Size: 6-0 (or 6-1 depending on which scout you ask)
- Weight: 199 lbs
- Production: 14 career college interceptions
- Draft Slot: Round 3, Pick 85 (2025)
Scouting Report: What Makes Him Tick?
The Nohl Williams NFL draft profile is a mix of high-level production and a few "buyer beware" technical flaws. He's got great length. His 30.75-inch arms help him jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, which is essential in a press-heavy scheme.
But it’s not all sunshine.
Williams can be a bit "bouncy" with his feet. Sometimes his hips declare too early, meaning a savvy NFL route runner like Davante Adams or Justin Jefferson could bait him into a double move. He also had a bit of a penalty problem in college—17 flags over his career. He’s grabby. He’s pugnacious. He’s going to get in your face, and sometimes the refs are going to notice.
The Special Teams "Floor"
Chiefs Senior Director of Player Personnel Mike Bradway was pretty vocal about why they took him in the third. It wasn't just about the defense. They saw a "four-core" special teams player.
You've got to remember that the NFL changed the kickoff rules recently. Having a guy who is a "secure catcher" and can actually return kicks at a high level—he averaged 27.6 yards per return in 2024—makes him incredibly valuable on a 53-man roster. He’s not just a backup corner; he’s a weapon for Dave Toub.
Addressing the Critics: Is He Too Slow?
One of the biggest knocks during the Nohl Williams NFL draft season was his speed. He ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. In today's NFL, where every third receiver is a track star, people worry about that number.
However, speed isn't just about the stopwatch.
Williams plays "fast" because his eyes are so good. He understands leverage. He knows how to use the sideline as an extra defender. If you look at his 1.54-second 10-yard split, you see that initial burst. He closes space quickly. He might not win a 100-meter dash against Tyreek Hill, but he’s got the "click and close" ability to break up a pass before the receiver can even tuck the ball away.
The Reality of His 2025 Rookie Season
Since being drafted, Williams has been exactly who we thought he was. Through the first half of the 2025 season, he's been a rotational piece for the Chiefs. He's recorded double-digit tackles, a handful of pass deflections, and even a sack.
He’s the kind of guy who thrives in Spagnuolo's "chaos" defense. One play he's blitzing off the edge; the next he's deep in a Cover 2 shell. He’s versatile. He’s a "pro-ready" prospect who didn't need two years in a weight room to handle NFL physicality.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're a Chiefs fan or just a draft nerd, here's what you need to know about Williams:
- Ball Skills are Legit: You can't fake 14 interceptions. He has the "hands of a receiver."
- Special Teams Asset: He's going to be on the field for every kickoff and punt.
- Physicality: He will hit people. He's not a "business decision" tackler.
- Discipline is the Goal: If he can stop grabbing jerseys at the top of the route, he could be a long-term starter.
Nohl Williams represents the new era of NFL cornerbacks—guys who are just as comfortable returning a kick or stopping the run as they are playing man coverage. He was a steal at 85. Honestly, if he had run a 4.41, he’s probably a late first-rounder.
To track his ongoing development, keep an eye on his snap counts in sub-packages. The Chiefs are increasingly using him in "Big Nickel" looks where his ability to tackle and play the ball makes him a nightmare for tight ends and slot receivers. You should also watch his impact on the return game; his 80-yard score at Cal wasn't a fluke, and it’s only a matter of time before he breaks one in the pros.