Williams ended the 2025 season with 48 tackles (30 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and seven passes defensed over 17 games.
Williams was a consistent special-teams contributor who earned a shot at being a full-time defensive starter toward the end of the campaign. The cornerback ended the season strong with 23 of his 48 total tackles coming in the last five games, along with his sole sack and four of his passes defensed. The third-round rookie has the potential to be a consistent starting cornerback for the Chiefs, as Jaylen Watson (groin) and Mike Edwards are on expiring deals.
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Chiefs' Nohl Williams: Two tackles in preseason defeat
Rotowire
Williams (concussion) recorded two solo tackles in Friday's 29-27 preseason loss to the Bears.
Williams was cleared from concussion protocol, returning to action for the team's preseason finale. The cornerback played 28 defensive snaps and six snaps with the special-teams unit in the loss. Williams figures to crack the team's initial 53-man roster as a depth option in the secondary.
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Chiefs' Nohl Williams: Enters concussion protocol
Rotowire
Williams was placed in concussion protocol during Friday's preseason game against Seattle.
Williams went to the locker room early in the second half after taking multiple hits around his head. Prior to his exit, he notched four tackles (three solo). Williams will have to clear protocol before he's able to practice or participate in additional preseason games.
The Chiefs selected Williams in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 85th overall.
Williams (6-feet, 199 pounds) is a bigger corner with the exceedingly rare distinction of starting five collegiate seasons -- three at UNLV, and two at California. Williams might be more skilled than athletic -- his 4.5-second 40 and 33.5-inch vertical imply average athleticism -- but players who earn as much quality playing time as Williams usually have a place in the NFL. Kansas City will probably train Williams for snaps on the boundary behind Trent McDuffie, Kristian Fulton and Jaylen Watson.
