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Mykel Williams

Mykel Williams Player Profile

Summary

Mykel Williams arrived at Georgia as a highly-touted recruit and developed into a dynamic edge rusher with a rare blend of size, length, athleticism, and versatility. Over his three seasons, he contributed in multiple defensive line roles—standing up as an edge, playing with a hand in the dirt, and offering flexibility for different fronts. San Francisco 49ers

Selected 11th overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2025, Round 1. Williams projects as a foundational piece on the edge—a player who can set the tone in the run game, win one-on-one battles, and develop into a high-end pass rusher with further refinement. San Francisco 49ers

Strengths

  • Size + Length + Athleticism: At 6′5″ and 267 lbs with long arms and a quick first step, Williams has the physical profile many teams covet in an edge rusher. 247Sports

  • Versatility: He has experience playing across different defensive alignments—standing edge, hand-in-dirt, inside/out roles—which gives him schematic flexibility. Bleacher Report

  • Physical Run Defender / Disruptor: Williams showed he can hold up at the point of attack, set the edge, and accumulate tackles for loss and sacks despite playing in a scheme with many contributors. For example: 21 tackles, 8.5 TFL and 5 sacks in 2024. San Francisco 49ers

  • High Upside/Motor: Coaches and analysts praise his work-ethic, competitive nature, and willingness to attack. He's considered a “coaches’ dream” for his attitude. Niners Nation

Weaknesses

  • Production vs. Peers: While talented, Williams’ sack totals and big-play numbers were somewhat modest compared to elite edge rushers in college—partly due to scheme and shared responsibilities. Big Blue View

  • Refinement of Pass-Rush Moves: He still needs to sharpen his counter moves, improve hand work consistently, and develop a more complete set of rush moves to dominate at the pro level. Bleacher Report

  • Playing Through Injuries / Durability Questions: There were indications that Williams played 2024 at less than full health (ankle issues) which may raise durability or readiness questions. reddit.com

  • Pad Level / Consistency in Technique: At times his pad level fluctuates and his technique, while promising, can be inconsistent when facing elite tackles. He’s still young and developing. Bleacher Report

Fit & Outlook

Mykel Williams projects as a potential impact starter on the edge. His physical tools and versatility give him a high ceiling. In a scheme like the 49ers', which values multiple defensive fronts and rotation on the line, Williams is well-positioned to grow into a key contributor. If he continues to refine his pass-rush toolbox, stay healthy, and develop consistency, he could become one of the premier edge defenders in the league.

However, his immediate role may resemble more of a rotational/part-time starter early on, as he adjusts to the speed and technique of the NFL. The key for Williams will be translating his physical traits into consistent production, refining his rush craft, and avoiding pitfalls that many high-ceiling rookies face.