FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at California cornerback Nohl Williams. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Nohl Williams
Nohl Williams (CB – California)
6-foot-1 | 200 Pounds
Background
Nohl Williams was a three-star recruit who originally attended UNLV, spending his first three seasons there. Started all five games he appeared in during the shortened 2020 season, finishing with 25 tackles, one interception and one breakup.
Reprised that role in 2021, totaling 33 tackles, one interception and four breakups. In 2022, he posted 40 tackles, three interceptions and five breakups before transferring to California. Recorded 53 tackles, two interceptions and six breakups in 2023. Finished with 52 tackles, seven interceptions and nine breakups this past season.
Positives
Five-year starter with escalating output despite a step up in level of competition; also cut down completions allowed significantly from 2023 to 2024. A tall cornerback with good size and length. Typically lined up on the right side of the formation, playing a lot of zone coverage from a shuffle technique, but with some press-man mixed in. Maintains good sight lines in zone coverage, and is relatively quick getting depth when bailing from just a few yards off the line of scrimmage.
Shows good patience at the line to match releases. Was asked to jam relatively often during the games reviewed; has good length for the role and what looks like accurate hand placement. Uses his hands well to feel routes developing. Williams knows how to pin opponents to the sidelines when defending down the sideline against outside releases. Ball skills are a major strength of his game.
When he locates, Williams aggressively high-points throws, using his impressive length to make plays on the ball. Shows soft hands and good body control to make interceptions. Gets good extension to lock out blockers and attacks them aggressively. Has generally been a reliable tackler in school. Has a little bit of experience returning kicks and punts. Scored on an 80-yard touchdown this past year.
Negatives
A bit high-cut, with a narrow base at times. Opens his hips a bit early at times when defenders attack his leverage, creating opportunities for quick completions on throws like slants. Williams’ transitions aren’t the smoothest and most coordinated. Smoother than he is explosive. Lacks the ideal burst to get back in-phase when caught out of position.
Williams can be late to get his head around when his back is to the passer, which could lead to penalties at the next level. Seemed to get away with some contact during the games reviewed. Averaged five penalties per year over the past three seasons. Tackling has generally been good but had some issues with missed tackles in 2023 – credited with 19.4%, per Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Summary
A five-year starter who has the height, length, ball skills and tackling teams look for. Played both zone and press-man in school, but might be more suited for the former, as his athletic traits may not be ideal for a man-heavy scheme.
Williams could also get looks as a free safety, which could help accentuate his ball-hawking traits. Will likely get some Day 2 consideration after his massive 2024 campaign.
Projection: Round 3/Round 4
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