Bucs took a closer look at an SEC standout in an area they need to address long term ahead of the 2025 NFL Daft
The Georgia Bulldogs have done a nice job stocking up NFL teams with talent over the last several years. That's evidenced by the current Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, whose defense has been spearheaded by former Georgia stars Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, and Nolan Smith, Jr. A number of Bulldogs are projected to […]
The Georgia Bulldogs have done a nice job stocking up NFL teams with talent over the last several years. That's evidenced by the current Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, whose defense has been spearheaded by former Georgia stars Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, and Nolan Smith, Jr.
A number of Bulldogs are projected to be near the top of the draft again this year, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking a closer look at one of them.
Per NFL Network's Mike Garofolo, the Bucs have met with Georgia OLB Mykel Williams on a top 30 visit.
Williams is one of two Georgia linebackers projected by many experts to be selected in the first round of the draft, with the other being Jalon Walker.
Williams, who had 21 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles last year, flashed something that a number of players at Georgia have shown: positional versatility. He's lined up as a standup outside linebacker and has played inside the tackles as a defensive end with his hand in the ground. Kirby Smart's defenses have featured a number of players shifting around, including 2022 first overall pick Travon Walker and current draft prospect Jalon Walker.
While Williams is physical and holds up well against the run – he earned an 82.5 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus – his pass rushing ability needs to improve. He turned in 26 pressures in 249 pass rushing snaps for a pressure rate of 10.4% in 2024. By way of comparison, Tennessee OLB James Pearce Jr. had 55 pressures in 254 pass rushing snaps for a rate of 21.7% last year.
The Bucs need an answer long term at outside linebacker opposite Yaya Diaby, with Haason Reddick under contract for just 2025. The team's 2024 second-round pick, Christian Braswell, had a very pedestrian rookie season. Adding Williams as a situational/rotational player to start and letting him learn and develop could be a great situation for the former Georgia standout, and one that could pay off for the Bucs down the road.
Bucs meeting with a draft prospect that doesn’t appear likely to help them out during a crucial 2025 season
Tampa Bay is taking a closer look at an SEC standout that’s more of a long-term fit
