Chiefs rookie Nohl Williams may be far more than just cornerback depth

For the Kansas City Chiefs fans still looking over the box score from the team's first preseason game, Nohl Williams' performance might not stand out a ton. For those who actually watched the rookie in action, however, they suddenly feel more confident about what they saw from Williams in his NFL debut.

Fans were already excited about Williams and the potential ferociousness he could bring to the Chiefs' secondary but, even after just one preseason game, it's clear that the third-rounder is ready to be more than just a depth piece for Kansas City. Williams showed the skills that Steve Spagnuolo is looking for in his defenders, such as good tackling, physicality, and contesting the catch.

Chiefs fans weren't the only one to notice how good Williams looked in his first-ever NFL game. Chad Reuter of NFL.com handed out grades to rookies in the first week of preseason and gave Williams a shiny A- for his efforts against the Cardinals.

"His most important play was breaking up a red-zone fade, wrestling the ball from the receiver's hands once the pass arrived. Williams looked aware in zone coverage, though he wasn't tested. He played the run well, keeping outside containment, ripping off receiver blocks and wrapping up ball-carriers (including a tackle for loss)."

Nohl Williams could quickly outgrow a depth role at CB

As Reuter noted, Williams shined on the red-zone fade and looked to do pretty much everything he was asked to do correctly. Sure it was only one preseason game but isn't it better to see a rookie play well in these games than struggle?

Williams' presence and development with the team was already going to be important due to how pass-happy the NFL is but it's even more important given the state of the starting cornerbacks in the Chiefs' secondary. Jaylen Watson has a concussion while Kristian Fulton hasn't played a fully healthy season during his five-year NFL career. Having Williams available to slot in for one of those two players if need be will be a massive advantage for a Super Bowl contender like the Chiefs.

Another thing working in the Chiefs' favor here is that Williams has Steve Spagnuolo as his defensive coordinator. Since Spags arrived in Kansas City, he's been able to get the absolute best out of his players and Williams should hopefully be no exception to that rule.