California cornerback Nohl Williams is expected to be a prospect available as the NFL draft enters its final two days. Teams looking to add depth to their secondary could consider the Golden Bears defensive back.
Williams is widely viewed as a potential selection on Saturday, when Rounds Four through Seven are conducted. According to The Pro Football Network, the Las Vegas Raiders are among the teams that could show interest.
Many scouts see Williams as a player who can contribute initially as a solid backup and potentially develop into a starter. The Raiders are likely to target the cornerback position at some point in the draft.
Williams led the nation in interceptions last season with seven. He is part of a Cal program that has consistently produced defensive backs drafted into the NFL over the past several years.
Former Cal safety Elijah Hicks, a seventh-round pick in 2022, highlighted the defensive back room's history. Speaking recently, Hicks noted that the program's coaches have taught players how to approach the game and attack practices.
Head coach Justin Wilcox stated that the recent draftees and current prospects share traits like being coachable and having a deeper understanding of the game beyond their assignments.
Other Cal defensive backs hoping to be selected include safety Craig Woodson and cornerback Marcus Harris. Woodson spent six seasons with the Bears and is also seen as a potential later-round pick.
The Cal defensive backs finished tied for seventh in the country in interceptions last season with 17. The program aims to continue its streak of having at least one defensive back drafted each year.
California has sent defensive backs like Ashtyn Davis, Jaylinn Hawkins, Camryn Bynum, Elijah Hicks, Daniel Scott, and Patrick McMorris to the NFL since 2020. Wilcox noted that seeing older teammates have success motivates younger players to emulate their work habits.
