Former Georgia star Mykel Williams is already being doubted before he's played one snap in the NFL
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski recently highlighted six NFL rookies he believes could underperform in their debut seasons, and former Georgia Bulldogs standout and current San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman, Mykel Williams, made the list. Sobleski acknowledged Williams' physical traits as an upside but pointed to a key concern which is his limited experience as a […]
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski recently highlighted six NFL rookies he believes could underperform in their debut seasons, and former Georgia Bulldogs standout and current San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman, Mykel Williams, made the list.
Sobleski acknowledged Williams' physical traits as an upside but pointed to a key concern which is his limited experience as a true pass rusher. While Williams showed flashes of dominance during his time in Athens, Sobleski questions whether he’s ready to consistently impact the quarterback at the next level.
Without a more experience or a proven track record of production in that area, Williams may face a steeper learning curve than some of his fellow rookies, according to Sobleski:
The idea of Mykel Williams is far more intriguing than the actual player.
Entering last season, Williams was a darkhorse candidate to emerge as the No. 1 overall pick, as another former Georgia Bulldog in Travon Walker did three years earlier. Williams never quite reached that level, with the San Francisco 49ers eventually selecting him with this year's 11th overall draft pick.
Williams switch from an interior defender to full-time edge defender was a driving force behind the lofty projection. It happened to a degree, though the defensive lineman still found himself lined up in an 4i (inside shoulder of the offensive tackle) quite often. His sack numbers didn't dramatically increase, either. To be fair, Williams dealt with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in Georgia's first game of the 2025 campaign.
Still, his development as a pass-rusher remains in its early stages.
The opportunity to play opposite Nick Bosa certainly helps. Williams can be an excellent run defender at the onset of his professional career. But the 20-year-old will need time to hone his craft for a year or two before he becomes the pass-rusher that San Francisco hopes he can be.
The selected Williams with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Despite playing through an ankle injury in his final season with the Dawgs, Williams still managed to rack up 21 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, 21 pressures, and two forced fumbles through 12 games.
That kind of grit should be enough to prove the doubters wrong.
