The crunch time is coming for those in deep roster battles. Kansas City has a few spots on the roster that offer adequate depth. The secondary is one spot where the Chiefs have a plethora of options from which to choose. Therefore, there is likely some added pressure for certain names hoping to stick on the roster.

One of the names that stands out in that regard is Joshua Williams. The former fourth-round pick in 2022 is already entering the final year of his rookie contract this season. To this point, his impact has been felt more on special teams than on defense.

Overall, Williams has the size and length that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo covets in his defensive backs. However, added development and results in coverage have been very hit or miss for Williams when given the opportunity.

Kansas City has one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in Trent McDuffie. He can handle so many different assignments within the defensive system. Outside of the other projected starters, the Chiefs generally have success with under-the-radar names at cornerback making an impact in training camp or the preseason. Chris Roland-Wallace, a rookie undrafted free agent last year, is a prime example.

Will Joshua Williams be left on the outside looking in come roster cutdown day? If so, here are the reasons why he may end up being a somewhat surprising cut candidate for the Chiefs.

Williams’ traits are arguably overmatched by incoming pieces

The size and length can be an added weapon on this Chiefs defense. Joshua Williams has been able to receive opportunities in press-man coverage. Kansas City presses with their cornerbacks at a fair rate. But in terms of long speed, recovery quickness, and reactionary speed, Williams does not possess what is necessary in today’s NFL, which is predicated on pace and space.

Incoming pieces like Nohl Williams and Kevin Knowles have already flashed throughout training camp. Kansas City has to be excited to have their change-of-direction skills and quickness among their depth options. It is still going to be intriguing to see how quickly someone like Nohl Williams sees the field. But if he continues to show out like he has so far, Nohl can be utilized in a variety of situations compared to the limited Joshua. Other incumbent pieces like Nazeeh Johnson, Jaylen Watson, and Roland-Wallace simply offer more twitch and explosiveness than Joshua Williams, to boot.

Training camp reps telling a story

Nohl Williams has already seen a solid share of reps with other starters in training camp. Knowles appears to be gaining more buzz as well among rookie undrafted free agents hoping to make the team. Joshua Williams was still working a fair amount with the second unit in training camp. Preseason games can be difficult to judge, but if those chances resemble how training camp has so far, the decision on Joshua Williams may become clearer.

As teams that are constant contenders understand, getting more opportunities for the youngest players is critical when paying stars near the top of the market elsewhere on the roster. The run of Joshua Williams may have run its course at this point. As a result, younger players who are just starting their NFL runs could provide a greater boost in certain spots on the roster.

Last ride for Williams as a whole?

Even if Joshua Williams does survive roster cutdown day, this could easily be his last preseason run with the Chiefs. Kansas City could look for more natural coverage players next offseason. If so, they would not need to bring Williams back in free agency after his rookie contract concludes. All in all, the team may value his experience within the defense and dependability on special teams.

But if there were any defensive backs feeling pressure to make the roster, Williams is the ultimate name that pops up. His ceiling and value are capped at a marginally average position. Whereas newer, younger depth options may offer an enticing opportunity for improvement in their tertiary roles. If Joshua Williams was going to be a consistent defensive presence, it would have materialized already.