2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Nohl Williams

Williams posted a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, demonstrating adequate speed for the cornerback position. His vertical jump measured 33.5 inches, and he recorded a broad jump of 10 feet, showcasing solid lower-body explosiveness. These numbers align with his on-field performance, highlighting his physicality and ball-hawking abilities.

Background:

Hailing from Oxnard, California, Nohl Williams was a standout at Pacifica High School, where he played multiple positions, including cornerback, safety, wide receiver, and punt returner. His senior year was particularly impressive. He recorded 74 tackles and seven interceptions, leading his team to its first-ever Southern Section and CIF state championship. Williams' versatility and playmaking ability earned him league Defensive Back of the Year honors and a three-star prospect rating.

Williams began his collegiate career at UNLV, becoming a three-year starter for the Rebels. Over 26 games, he amassed 98 tackles, five interceptions, and 10 pass breakups. His performance in 2022 garnered him second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors. Seeking greater challenges, Williams transferred to the University of California for the 2023 season. 

At Cal, Williams quickly established himself as a defensive leader. In his senior year, he led the nation with seven interceptions, 33 solo tackles, eight pass deflections, and a forced fumble. His ball-hawking skills and physical play earned him first-team All-ACC honors and solidified his reputation as a top-tier defensive back.

Strengths:

• Williams has exemplary ball skills and led the nation with seven interceptions in 2024.
• He is a physical press-man coverage specialist with the size and strength to disrupt routes.
• Alpha mentality: Williams consistently shadows and neutralizes opposing teams' top receivers.
• Williams mirrors receivers effectively off the line with disciplined footwork.
• He is a willing and reliable tackler in run support.
• Has extensive experience in multiple coverage schemes, enhancing his scheme versatility.
• Williams plays under control. He never panics when the ball is in the air and routinely turns to find the football.

Weaknesses:

• He lacks elite top-end speed, recording a 4.50-second 40-yard dash.
• Williams shows slight stiffness in his hip transitions, which affects his change-of-direction agility.
• He tends to become grabby at the top of routes. However, he was only penalized three times for pass interference in 2024.
• Williams recorded an average forced incompletion rate despite high interception numbers. This suggests that his frequency of disturbing the catch point might not have been as impressive as his interception numbers imply.

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Nohl Williams:

Williams projects as a starting-caliber cornerback in the NFL, particularly suited for defenses that employ press-man coverage schemes. His physicality at the line of scrimmage allows him to disrupt timing routes effectively, and his ball-hawking instincts make him a turnover threat. While his athletic limitations may pose challenges against faster, more agile receivers, his technique and competitive toughness compensate, enabling him to remain effective on the outside.

For the Chicago Bears, it's hard to envision them taking a cornerback high with Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon entrenched as starters. However, with Stevenson's struggles and overall lack of maturity, they could look to add to the room for some insurance in case he falters again.

Williams fits what new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen wants in his corners: big, physical guys who can win in press-man coverage to lock down receivers and give their front four time to get to the quarterback. Williams actually brings a similar size and athletic profile to the NFL as some Saints Cornerbacks Allen worked with, such as PJ Williams, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Paulson Adebo, and Isaac Yiadom. 

Williams' alpha mentality and leadership qualities would be a valuable addition to the Bears' locker room. His experience and confidence could elevate the secondary's performance as a whole, fostering a more aggressive and opportunistic defense.

NFL Comparison: Jaylon Johnson