Early offseason programs are meant to integrate new faces, especially rookies, into their new environment though some like Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Nohl Williams experience significant growing pains in the process.

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08-06-2025

Early offseason programs are meant to integrate new faces, especially rookies, into their new environment though some like Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Nohl Williams experience significant growing pains in the process. originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Kansas City Chiefs continue to progress through OTAs with mandatory minicamp approaching in the coming days and training camp ahead next month. For now, veterans are working back into football shape and the younger guys are finding their legs.
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While the rookies get their own minicamp following the draft, much of this process is somewhat of a baptism by fire. They are not thrown into game situations, but instead tasked with holding their own against veteran competition in a controlled setting.
Some take these experiences in stride, dealing with little to no setbacks in the process. Others find that the learning curve is not so steep through their progression.
Rookie Nohl Williams appears to fall into that latter category. The cornerback, selected in the third round out of Cal, still has some adjustments to make in handling the size, speed and all around ability at the professional level.
Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt noted Williams' struggles thus far, sharing some brutally honest feedback from his first few weeks at OTAs.
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"His head is spinning a little bit. A lot of volume," Merritt said. "He's playing one position, corner. For that one position, he needs to continue to grow."
Williams touts an impressive resumé despite his status as a third-round pick. He enters the league with a reputation as a ballhawk in the college ranks, leading all of NCAA Division I in interceptions last season with seven.
However, the All-American has learned the NFL presents an entirely different challenge at his position with an abundance of remarkable receiving talent spread across all 32 teams.
Luckily, this is a natural symptom of life as a young defensive back in the NFL. The younger crop tend to get picked on when they hit the field in their early years.
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And in Kansas City, there is certainly an expectation to adapt quickly. That's not to say the Chiefs are not focused on development, rather that process happens at a much faster rate when the team continually finds themselves competing for championships.
That should also work in the rookie's favor surrounded by veterans in the defensive backfield, including Trent McDuffie who has two Super Bowls to his own resumé. McDuffie entered the league under similar circumstances with the Chiefs and has benefitted from the challenge, already recognized as one of the best corners in the league.
Time will tell if Williams can find his way on a similar path to success though he clearly has his work cut out.
Related: Do Chiefs Have 'Enough In The Tank' For Super Bowl Run?
Related: Chiefs' Mahomes Announces Major Decision on 2028 Olympics
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.