Grading Chiefs trade with Patriots: Brett Veach steals reigning FBS interceptions leader in third round of 2025 NFL Draft
The Kansas City Chiefs executed their second trade of the 2025 NFL Draft, moving up with the New England Patriots to select Cal CB Nohl Williams in the third round. The Chiefs sent pick No. 95 and their 2026 fourth-round pick from the Joe Thuney trade to the Patriots in exchange for pick No. 85. Kansas City […]
The Kansas City Chiefs executed their second trade of the 2025 NFL Draft, moving up with the New England Patriots to select Cal CB Nohl Williams in the third round.
The Chiefs sent pick No. 95 and their 2026 fourth-round pick from the Joe Thuney trade to the Patriots in exchange for pick No. 85. Kansas City took Williams, while the Patriots took Georgia C Jared Wilson at pick No. 95.
Chiefs Sr. Director of Player Personnel Mike Bradway spoke about the decision to make the trade after the pick was made.
"Yeah, there was kind of a run on those corners in Round 3," Bradway said. "And a lot of those guys were nickels that could play inside, but maybe not outside guys. And, you know, Nohl (Williams) was a guy that, because of his versatility, we thought there could be a drop off after him. So in that case, a guy like that at a premium position, I think it's worth making that kind of move."
Nohl Williams declared a perfect fit for Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo's scheme
The Chiefs' needs at the cornerback position might not be apparent to some, but a year from now, that room could look very different with some two-time Super Bowl champions set to become free agents. While Trent McDuffie will likely have his fifth-year option picked up, guys like Jaylen Watson and Josh Williams might find a new home in free agency.
Williams has some special teams return and coverage ability that will aid his development in Kansas City, but his fit on defense is what's so exciting. My friends at KC Sports Network declared Williams a "high" fit for the Chiefs' defensive scheme. Not only does he meet the physical thresholds for Spags at 6 feet and 190 pounds with long arms to match, but he also plays with an almost arrogant confidence that I think matches the way the team likes to challenge opponents defensively.
Williams excels in zone coverage, as well as being an excellent press-man and match cornerback. He loves to play physically on the perimeter and challenge receivers at the catch point. He will not be someone you want regularly aligning against a Xavier Worthy-type burner at wide receiver, who can challenge him downfield. However, the Chiefs can somewhat protect against that with their coverage scheme and matchups.
At Cal, Williams was an honorable Mention All-ACC All-Purpose player in 2024. He led the entire FBS with seven interceptions in 2024 and tied for third in the FBS with 16 passes defended. Did I mention he had a pick-six against Miami QB Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick to the Tennessee Titans?
Charles Goldman's verdict on the trade
The only thing stopping me from calling this an A+ move is that the Chiefs gave up what will likely be the higher of their fourth-round picks in 2026. It's bittersweet to part with the pick from the Joe Thuney trade, but we often overvalue draft picks. The good news is that Kansas City still owns its own fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
I have no complaints about the player taken, and you shouldn't either. He's productive, a scheme fit, can play a role on defense in Year 1, and has value on special teams. There's really nothing to dislike unless you're frustrated that the team didn't reach for a running back or a wide receiver. I'll stick this trade with an A- grade, knowing we won't know the full impact until the 2026 NFL Draft arrives next year.