Will Lee might be the sleeper corner Chiefs fans shouldn’t overlook

Let's dispel some myths about the Chiefs and their cornerback development. Yes, the Chiefs do have an above-average success rate at drafting and developing corners, but for every Jaylen Watson, there's a Nic Jones. In fact, there's more than Nic Jones—it's also Tremon Smith, Thakarius Keyes, Nazeeh Johnson, Joshua Williams, and Kamal Hadden. The notion that the Chiefs can wave a wand and find another starting corner on Day 3 might be overhyped to this point.

Notably, the Chiefs have drafted 11 corners (counting Chamarri Conner) since Brett Veach became general manager. Of those 11 picks, all of them have been on Day 3 except Trent McDuffie and Nohl Williams. The Chiefs need to hit on a corner in this draft, not just for this season but for the long-term needs of the roster. For that reason, they should consider another Day 2 option at corner in Will Lee.

To keep close tabs on the 2026 NFL Draft and the top prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs, make sure to bookmark our Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our custom big board is tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and thresholds.

NFL Draft Profile: Will Lee, CB, Texas A&M

1. Will Lee III's background
2. Will Lee's strengths
3. Will Lee's weaknesses
4. Will Lee's fit with the Chiefs

Will Lee III's background

Age: 23

Height: 6-1

Weight: 189 LBS.

Hands: 9 inches

Arms: 32 3/4

Tape Exposure: Miami (2025), Notre Dame (2025), Mississppi State (2025)

A native of Saint Louis, Lee had to grow up fast as a boy with six older sisters. He attended Kirkwood High School, where he played wide receiver and cornerback. Ranked as a 3-star prospect and recruited as a wide receiver, Lee began his career at Iowa Western Community College, where he spent two seasons. After redshirting in 2021, he broke out the following year, earning NJCAA First-Team All-American honors with 34 tackles and an interception across 12 games. He then transferred to Kansas State for the 2023 season, appearing in 11 games and totaling 42 tackles with two interceptions. Following that season, he entered the transfer portal and made the move to Texas A&M. He completed his career at A&M with 2 interceptions and 18 passes defended.

Will Lee's strengths

Size and Athleticism

Nice long frame with 89th-percentile arm length paired with strong explosive testing scores and a 9.46 relative athletic score. He uses his size well and loves to use his closing speed as a tackler.

Press Coverage

Experienced and willing to get to the line of scrimmage and put his hands on a receiver. Put up some good moments against Malachi Fields (6-4, 218 lbs.) on tape.

Down Field Coverage

Nicknamed "The Blanket," because he's very sticky down the field and willing to get his head around in coverage.

Will Lee's weaknesses

Run Defense

He's a willing tackler but has some misses on tape and is not always disciplined with his eyes. He can be seen running away from the play chasing a receiver on an RPO even though the ball is being run toward him.

Long Speed

Struggles against shifty and fast receivers and had some notable losses against Brennan Thompson (the fastest player in the 2026 draft). Allowed a 20-plus-yard completion in seven games in 2025.

Handsy Coverage

A handsy coverage style leads to flags (six interference/holding penalties in 2025). He is sometimes caught trying to compensate for his lack of speed.

Will Lee's fit with the Chiefs

Lee would be an ideal outside corner for the Chiefs to compete with Kristian Fulton and push Nohl Williams. His length and ability in press coverage make him a high-level fit for the Chiefs. With some refinement in his technique and improved discipline in the run game, he could be a starter for the Chiefs long term.

Will Lee is a long, explosive cornerback who thrives in press man with physicality, fluid hips, and strong ball disruption skills. He’s active around the football and offers value in the red zone but struggles to convert opportunities into interceptions. A lean build, grabby coverage tendencies, average deep speed, and inconsistent tackling and awareness create some volatility.

Round Grade: Red Chip (Round 3 Grade)

Shades of: Carrington Valentine

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