The Kansas City Chiefs rookie class has been everything fans could have hoped for just four games into the regular season. No one should expect much from any first-year performer in the NFL except for the top picks in a draft order, but the Chiefs are already seeing plenty of contributions from multiple rookies.
Josh Simmons is the obvious first entry in any discussion about Chiefs rookies, and the left tackle is faring better than expected, but he’s having to share the spotlight with other inexperienced players. Omarr Norman Lott has flashed inside, and Ashton Gillotte looks like he’s headed toward a starting spot at defensive end down the stretch. Brashard Smith also deserves kudos for earning more reps at running back.
However, a major share of attention also needs to head Nohl Williams’ way, who has been a physical force in the secondary as an instantly reliable boundary corner who has filled in admirably for an injured Kristian Fulton.
Steve Spagnuolo had plenty of good things to say about Nohl Williams.
The Chiefs were likely envisioning Jaylen Watson and Fulton holding down the starting spots, with Trent McDuffie playing inside as much as possible. With Fulton sidelined for most of his tenure thus far in K.C., the Chiefs have still been able to keep to that plan because of Williams’ ability to step in as a rookie.
“When we get Nohl out there, we’re able to get Trent [McDuffie] inside, which we all know we like Trent in there,” said defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo on Friday. “We like Chamarri [Conner, safety] in there as well, but when we can get three corners out there in the game, and that’s dictated by down and distance,”
Williams has looked like an ideal scheme fit for what Spags demands from his corners. His physicality and toughness have already wreaked havoc on opposing receivers in wins over the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens in recent wins. “We’ve got a lot of respect for D-Hop, and he went out and was able to have a couple of decent plays on him, so I think that helped boost his confidence,” said Spags.
“He’s done a really nice job for us,” said Spagnuolo in further comments. “You know, early in the year, he kinda stuck out to me on special teams. He had a couple of really good hits on kickoff team. He’s a physical guy. In training camp, there was a little bit of a rough beginning because it was different to him. He’s kinda settled in more. He’s playing more confident, which is probably the first thing you need out there.”
With Fulton still limited in practice, the Chiefs will continue to lean on Williams earlier than anyone expected. However, the third-round pick seems ready for more reps and could make the rookie class look like the team’s best since 2022.
