Chiefs, A Look Around the Corners: Joshua Williams

Chiefs, A Look Around the Corners: Joshua Williams

David Bell

The Kansas City Chiefs secondary has been playing solid football. Unfortunately, #21, who was pick #21 in the 2022 draft, had 21 pass defense snaps in game #1, was injured and is not expected to be unavailable for the next two games, at the very least. 7th round Draft Pick, #243 Jaylen Watson, who wears #35, was stepping in to replace Trent McDuffie, and his pick-6 for 99-yards assured the Chiefs a victory in the week two game vs. the Los Angeles Chargers. Heroics were the game’s name since the offense stumbled, and the defense stepped up to boost the Chiefs to a win. Without the score by Watson, the Chiefs would have fallen short and possibly lost the game. Hurrah for Jaylen Watson!

Other players were a key to this win, though Rashad Fenton struggled off and on during the game. L’Jarius Sneed had a solid performance, as did Safeties Justin Reid and Juan Thornhill. Bryan Cook suffered an apparent anxiety attack wanting to hit someone so bad that he erred on a big play where he needed to get a stop. Willie Gay suffered from that same affliction and missed a tackle on the right side of the defense.

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News Update: Willie Gay is Suspended

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Willie Gay recorded 11 tackles vs the Chargers and had a pass defensed, as did the green dot LB Nick Bolton who racked up 10 tackles (again). The Linebacking pair owned the gaps and defended well against the pass. The two were a key part of the win.

Overall though, the Chiefs held a potent Justin Herbert-led offense to 24 points. For most of the game, the secondary stymied Herbert’s aerial attack though Herbert did make an outstanding pass late in the 4th quarter pulling the Chargers within 3 points. However, it was a “garbage time” score, and the Chiefs closed out the game with the second Tally of a win in the book. You must admire Herbert, who struggled through a fractured rib cartilage in his chest after a solid clean hit by Mike Danna.

Hey, What About #23?

Joshua Williams — a 4th round CB selection in this year’s draft — was in on 12 plays during the game… but… all his snaps were on special teams, and none were on defense. So does this mean the Chief’s faith in the HBCU Corner from Fayetteville is gone? At this time, the 135th pick in the draft has had Jaylen Watson supersede him in the pecking order. I don’t believe that faith has departed. However, it is wise to consider that Williams played against lesser talent in his collegiate career at Fayetteville State. Versus the Cardinals, Williams had 15 snaps on defense and recorded a single solo Tackle. Contrast that to zero snaps on defense against the Chargers.

I looked for a pass-defense failure but did not find one, there was no striking example. At the same time, I think Williams was aided tremendously by the pass rush in game one. He could have been burned on a couple of plays if it had not been because AZ QB Kyler Murray was under pressure and could not find a target. Still, Joshua did not get game snaps in the week two victory over the Chargers.

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Williams is an athletic 6-foot-3, 195 lbs. Cornerback who has good speed. For these two reasons: Length and Speed, are the requisite and a missing ingredient for the Chief’s secondary. Williams was the first Fayetteville State Bronco taken in the NFL Draft since 1976. His presence in front of the camera is knowledgeable. I like this young player a bunch.

Fayetteville St. is a NCAA Div II school in the CIAA conference. Williams was a touted defender in college and caught the eye of the Chiefs Scouting crew. JWIll was also invited to the North Carolina State’s Pro Day where he shined, and as SpectacularMag.com revealed:

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“Joshua Williams ran an amazing 40-yard dash. Williams clocked a 4.28, the fastest at the pro day. His unique size and speed are two reasons why he will be sought after in the 2022 NFL Draft. Williams looks to be the first Fayetteville State Bronco taken in the NFL Draft since 1976.”

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As a result, Williams was a Chiefs 4th round of the 2022 draft. In the preseason, Williams was cognizant that he needed to develop his skill set and he observed after a preseason game that Dave Merritt — Chiefs CB Coach — as well as the Chiefs other coaches:

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“They’re opening my head up to

different ideas, different techniques.”

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At this point, I think Joshua Williams needs to exert his presence on the field. He may still be a student being tutored, but his game snaps need to expand in forcefulness, when he gets the opportunity.

Do I Believe Merritt and Spagnuolo Have Lost Faith in Josh Williams?

I’d must make the judgment that, to an extent, that is the case. It’s possible that the game-day match-ups versus the Chargers were unsuitable for his skill set. Or it could be that he is taking longer to develop the skills needed for NFL game as well as learning to deal with the speed of the pro game. Williams was drafted out of a small college, but I have great hopes for his future with the Chiefs. However, I am keeping in perspective that the roster is packed with nine rookies, and Josh Williams is among those players.

Does this mean that Williams won’t succeed? No, but these observations still stand. I think Williams will get more snaps versus the Colts and that is likely going to be his opportunity to grow. That’s what I am looking for this week. Don’t get me wrong: I like what I see from the youth movement players who man the Chiefs secondary. However, with a “New-Look” Defense, the Chiefs need Williams to step up and strut his ability… during a game. That will be important for the Chiefs aerial defense in the long haul of a 17-game season.

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David Bell – ArrowheadOne

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