The Kansas City Chiefs are fully in the midst of OTAs, and there have been a number of significant developments not only for current players but former ones too. That said, fans in the Kingdom are rightly focused on the new acquisitions made by the Chiefs throughout the offseason, particularly the rookies who came over during the 2025 NFL Draft.
One of the most hyped rookies for the team is cornerback Nohl Williams out of California. He’s got the prerequisite size that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo covets while being a ball-hawk, having led the country in interceptions (7) en route to All-American status last year.
However, the third-round selection is apparently off to a poor start at OTAs and is already getting called out by his position coach, Dave Merritt.
Chiefs DB coach Dave Merritt on Nohl Williams, who struggled at times on Wednesday: "His head is spinning a little bit. A lot of volume. He's playing one position, corner. For that one position, he needs to continue to grow."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) June 4, 2025
Chiefs Rookie CB Nohl Williams Called Out by Dave Merritt During OTAs
When speaking to the media, Merritt was asked about Williams’ reported struggles on Wednesday. It sounds like the young player is going through growing pains, and this is tough love from one of the best defensive coaches in the NFL.
“His head is spinning a little bit. A lot of volume,” Merritt told reporters. “He’s playing one position, corner. For that one position, he needs to continue to grow.”
None of this is a problem for the Chiefs, and these types of issues are expected to happen for rookies, especially one thrown into such a competitive environment that Kansas City has cultivated. Merritt is a rising defensive coordinator candidate and beloved by his players, so it feels likely that this message will be received appropriately.
Either way, it’s slightly concerning that Williams is struggling to adjust in the early moments. There were thoughts that he could become a starter over Jaylen Watson, though it appears that’s growing increasingly improbable. Instead, Williams will likely battle Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson on the depth chart, to say nothing of Kristian Fulton, who should have one of the starting jobs.
Trent McDuffie, Fulton, Watson, and Nohl Williams make up a formidable cornerback room with excellent depth. It’ll depend on how Williams develops, and hopefully he takes Merritt’s words to hard and continues to improve.
