Mansoor Delane is finally getting closer to a full game with the Kansas City Chiefs, and Nohl Williams is looking forward to having his teammate back on the field.

The sixth overall pick in this year’s draft had a memorable NFL debut. Delane picked off a pass just three plays into the game, but also hurt his shoulder on the same play.

“Yeah, that's my dog, he's super competitive,” DB Nohl Williams said on Mansoor Delane. “He keeps me on my toes, just how good he is and makes me want to go harder. And just a great person, great guy, my guy.”

He was active for Kansas City’s Week 2 game against the Indianapolis Colts but stayed on the sideline as a precaution and did not play a defensive snap.

“Yeah, for sure, I mean, any natural competitor’s frustrated,” Williams said, according to Sleepers Chiefs X post. “He’s hungry to play a full game and I think he will this weekend, so I’m excited for him. I know he’s excited and he’s gonna get the job done, that’s who he is.”

Williams knows Delane has been eager to get back out there and has enjoyed competing with him during their time together.

Delane’s shoulder problem has been around since the offseason. He missed mandatory minicamp because of a hairline fracture in his scapula and only came out of his yellow non-contact jersey during the final week of training camp.

Andy Reid expects Delane to be ready for Week 3 against Miami. After playing only three regular-season snaps so far, the rookie could finally see a bigger role.

Kristian Fulton has filled in during his absence, giving the Chiefs another option if they decide to ease Delane back into the rotation.

Kansas City traded up to select Delane sixth overall after losing Trent McDuffie, making the rookie an important part of the secondary.

Now, after a slow start because of his shoulder, he is preparing for another chance to show what he can do.

That added experience has not only helped Williams on the field but also given him a closer look at what his younger teammates can bring, including Delane.

Could Nohl Williams’ second season look different in Kansas City?

Nohl Williams is heading into his second NFL season with a year of experience behind him, and the Kansas City Chiefs defensive back says the game feels different now.

"Yeah, for sure, more comfortable (it's been) 12 months now," said Williams, according to Chiefs Wire. "I was a fresh rookie, and now I've got more games under my belt, and I'm getting more comfortable every day, every year. Still got to climb; there's still gonna be ups and downs. I plan on getting better and better in my craft."

Williams played all 17 games as a rookie in 2025, finishing with 48 total tackles and seven pass deflections.

He said that progress really started to click toward the end of last season and continued through the offseason while facing Kansas City's offense in OTAs and training camp.

"Probably late last season started slowing down for me," said Williams, "and then just throughout the offseason, going against our offense and OTAs and training camp, that's when things started slowing down for me for sure."

Through two games this season, Williams has eight tackles, one sack, and two passes defended.

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit