The Kansas City Chiefs are set to begin OTAs on May 27, and it'll be the first opportunity for this rookie class to prove their mettle against veterans in an effort to earn a spot on the 53-man roster this fall or potentially even a starter's position.
There are already some obvious candidates to start like first-round left tackle Josh Simmons, though one under-the-radar rook is in line to steal a veteran's job over the next few weeks.
Third-round cornerback Nohl Williams out of California fits the exact physical profile that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo covets, and he might become a starter sooner rather than later if he shows out well.
Chiefs Rookie CB Nohl Williams Poised to Steal Show at OTAs
At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Williams has an ideal size and length that could make him a long-term starter for the Chiefs. He led all of college football with seven interceptions in 2024, earning All-American honors in the process, and he's someone who could force Spagnuolo and general manager Brett Veach into a difficult decision down the stretch.
Trent McDuffie will presumably be around for a while, though guys like Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Chamarri Conner, and Nazeeh Johnson, all of whom were acquired in recent draft classes, stand to suffer. The offseason signing of Kristian Fulton complicates matters. If Nohl proves to be an impactful player early, at least one of the aforementioned four youngsters would stick around.
Watson dealt with an ankle injury last year, though he was still one of the better corners in the league, so it's likely that Williams or Johnson would be on the hot seat, particularly considering Conner's versatility and ability to play the safety position as well.
Williams is strong, a ball-hawk, and can make an impact in the run game. Kansas City has been a middling team in creating turnovers in recent years, so it's likely that the coaching staff will want to get someone with Williams' ability on the field sooner rather than later.
OTAs will be the first time we get to see Williams take on legitimate competition, and he's one of the most important players for fans to watch.