Pro and cons of San Francisco 49ers picking Georgia DE Mykel Williams in 2025 NFL Draft

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Athens Banner-Herald
Pro and cons of San Francisco 49ers picking Georgia DE Mykel Williams in 2025 NFL Draft

Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald · Athens Banner-Herald

Fri, Apr 25, 2025 ·

2 min read

What Mykel Williams brings to the 49ers in 2025 NFL Draft

Mykel Williams had the look of a next-level player early in his Georgia career. The former five-star from Columbus, Ga., flipped from Southern Cal as a recruit as was seen as another future pro at a program that produced NFL first-round pass rushers Nolan Smith and Travon Walker and interior rusher Jalen Carter . The 6-foot-5, 267-pound Williams' ability to get to the quarterback had him talked about in some draft circles as an early first round pick before last season.

Mykel Williams highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Georgia

Williams rang up two sacks in each game against Texas last season, accounting for all but one of his sacks on the season. He had 3 pressures against both Tennessee and Florida. Williams was sidelined for three games the last two seasons including two in 2024 due to a sprained ankle. The injury limited his snaps in a couple of others and his effectiveness for much of the season. "He's a developing player who wows scouts with his size, power and speed, and he has improved on pass-rush moves with his hand timing and use of leverage," ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller wrote.

Mykel Williams stats with Georgia

Williams led Georgia with 4 1/2 sacks as a freshman in 2022 when he had 28 tackles, the most he had in a college season. He finished with 14 sacks — just outside the program's top 15 all-time list — 21 1/2 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles over three seasons.

Mykel Williams NFL comparison

Williams drew comparison's early in his Georgia career with another edge rusher who left the program as Williams was arriving. That was the 2022 NFL No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker to the Jaguars. Both didn't put up gaudy numbers but were seen as having the attributes and body type to raise their game on the next level. The Athletic's Dane Brugler compared Williams to Jason Pierre-Paul .