Nohl Williams during the 2025 NFL Combine Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Mel Kiper Projects Cal's Nohl Williams to Go in Third Round of NFL Draft

Originally posted on Cal Bears on SI | By Jake Curtis | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 2:52 PM ET

Famed ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes Cal cornerback Nohl Williams will be taken in the third round of the NFL draft, which starts April 24. A third-round selection would hear his name called on the second day of the draft when the second and third rounds are chosen.

ESPN’s Kiper and Field Yates came up with their latest projections for the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, and those predictions were posted in an article posted on Tuesday.

They alternated their picks, with Kiper making the even-numbered selections, and Yates making the odd-numbered picks.

When it came to Kiper’s pick for the No. 92 overall selection, the 28th pick of the third round, he predicted Williams would be taken at that spot by the Seattle Seahawks. Kiper provided this comment:

92. Seattle Seahawks (via LV/DET,NYJ)

Kiper's pick: Nohal Williams, CB, Cal

The Seahawks have Riq Woolen outside and Devon Witherspoon in the slot, but the other corner spot could use a boost (and if nothing else, more depth). With great instincts and press coverage traits, Williams led the nation with seven interceptions last season.

No other Cal player was taken in the first three rounds in this mock draft, although Golden Bears safety Craig Woodson and linebacker Teddye Buchanan have become wild cards in the draft projections, with no one quite sure when or if they will be taken in the draft.