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Chiefs CB Nohl Williams is garnering some praise early in the offseason.

The Kansas City Chiefs have done a good job of keeping their roster young throughout their dynasty run.

That has meant making some tough decisions on good veteran players. They have not hesitated to move on from some big names, and it has paid off more often than not.

The Chiefs are embracing another youth movement in 2026. Multiple players who are still on their rookie contracts will be in starting roles, and they are banking on many of them to develop into stars.

Kansas City Chiefs CB Nohl Williams named to PFF’s 2026 All-Breakout Team

The staff at Pro Football Focus assembled a team of second-year players at every position who they believe will take a major step forward in 2026. Williams was one of two cornerback that made it.

“A well-kept secret in 2025, Williams could swiftly become a commonplace name in 2026. Even with the Chiefs fielding two outstanding cornerbacks in Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, Williams earned his right to stay on the field. Playing 458 total snaps, Williams registered a 74.5 overall PFF grade with a 75.6 PFF coverage mark, which placed 15th among corners with at least 250 coverage snaps. Impressively, Williams placed in the 93rd percentile in single coverage grade and the 89th percentile at outside corner. Mansoor Delane, Kansas City’s top draft pick, should command at least one perimeter spot for Steve Spagnuolo. But the Cal product Williams has the traits to not only seize that role, but to also be a burgeoning player on a greater stage.”

Williams was a third-round pick by Kansas City in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was incredibly productive in college, recorded 14 interceptions, including seven in 2024. Williams played well right off the bat as a rookie for Kansas City.

Many fans were frustrated that he wasn’t playing more early on. He eventually did when McDuffie and Watson were placed on season-ending injured reserve, starting the final four games. On 457 defensive snaps played, Williams recorded 48 total tackles (four for loss), seven passes defensed, and one sack.

Chiefs Will Have New-Look Secondary in 2026

Williams should continue to be a full-time starter for the foreseeable future, especially if PFF’s prediction is right. Opposite him projects to be 2026 first-round draft pick Mansoor Delane, who was considered by most to be the best cornerback in this year’s class. Veteran Kristian Fulton will be in the mix behind him, who finished last season strong after being injury-riddled early on.

Kansas City drafted another CB in Jadon Canady, who could act as a nickel/safety hybrid. Free agent addition Kader Kohou may get the majority of snaps at nickelback early on. The Chiefs also signed 2022 first-round pick Kaiier Elam, who will look to be a depth piece and special teams contributor.

Alohi Gilman, also acquired in free agency, will lead the safety corps and strive to be next in the long line of safeties who have excelled under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Chamarri Conner and Jaden Hicks appear poised to battle it out to start alongside Gilman. Behind them are Chris Roland-Wallace, Xavier Nwankpa, and Tanner McAlister.