Mykel Williams

Summary

Mykel Williams was selected in Round 1 (#11 Overall) in the 2025 Draft out of University of Georgia. Over his first three collegiate seasons, Williams compiled 90+ total tackles, 20+ tackles for loss, 10+ sacks, multiple forced fumbles, and pass deflections, often drawing double teams in one of the deepest defensive line rotations in college football. He played a key role on multiple SEC Championship and College Football Playoff teams, contributing to national championship runs while flashing high-end physical traits. Coaches consistently praise his work ethic, physicality, team-first mentality, and willingness to play through injury, traits that have earned him respect within Georgia’s veteran defensive culture.

Strengths

• Elite Physical Profile: Prototype NFL edge defender size with long arms, strength, and high-end explosiveness. His rare physical traits allow him to align as a 4-3 defensive end, 3-4 edge, or reduced interior rusher on passing downs.

• Run Defense Power: Sets a firm edge and plays strong at point of attack with ability to stack and shed blockers.

• First-Step Burst: Flashes quick get-off that stresses tackles vertically and collapses pockets. Uses reach to disrupt passing lanes, control blockers, and affect quarterbacks.

• Motor & Toughness: Plays with effort through contact and consistently pursues plays backside. Very similar player to fellow Bulldog and former teammate, Travon Walker.

Weaknesses

• Pass-Rush Refinement: Relies heavily on power and athleticism and needs a deeper counter and hand-usage arsenal. Still learning to string moves together snap-to-snap.

• Finish Consistency: Generates pressure but does not always convert opportunities into sacks. Statistical output does not always reflect his physical upside due to rotation and role.

• Pad Level Variance & Lack of Bend: Can play tall, reducing leverage and explosiveness at times. While he’s a good athlete, Williams is not an elite “dip-and-rip” edge bender.

• Durability Concerns: Williams missed the majority of his rookie year due to a torn ACL in his right knee in Week 9 against the New York Giants.

Outlook

Williams projects as a high-ceiling NFL edge defender best suited for defenses that value power, versatility, and scheme flexibility. He fits seamlessly into multiple front systems, capable of playing as a strong-side defensive end in a 4-3 or as a stand-up edge in a 3-4, while also kicking inside on passing downs. His run-defense reliability gives him an early-career pathway to snaps with the 49ers, even as his pass-rush toolkit continues to evolve. If he refines his hand usage, counters, and rush sequencing, he has the upside to become a three-down edge defender with Pro Bowl-level traits. Even if pass-rush growth is gradual, his strength, toughness, and versatility ensure a high floor as a long-term starter and foundational defensive piece. His combination of character, physical tools, and big-game experience makes him one of the more intriguing upside defenders in his draft class.