Georgia defender could be top overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft next April, breakdown included
It didn’t take long for people to catch on to how talented Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams was. A five-star in the 2022 recruiting class out of Hardaway in Columbus, Georgia, Williams cracked the rotation for the Bulldogs immediately. That’s a testament to his overall talent, especially how talented that defensive line room was in […]
It didn’t take long for people to catch on to how talented Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams was. A five-star in the 2022 recruiting class out of Hardaway in Columbus, Georgia, Williams cracked the rotation for the Bulldogs immediately. That’s a testament to his overall talent, especially how talented that defensive line room was in 2022.
During that season, Williams would make Freshman All-American, helping the Bulldogs win their second straight National Championship. In 15 games, Williams recorded 28 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. It was believed to be just a taste of things to come, already being talked about as a potentially elite 2025 NFL Draft prospect when he would be eligible in two more years.
The tricky part is that the gigantic sophomore jump everyone expected for Williams never happened. Williams posted almost the exact numbers from the year prior, ending 2023 with 6.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks.
While that doesn’t make or break an evaluation, it certainly isn’t comforting to not see a massive jump in year two. Instead, we are left banking on Williams’ age and upside. Both are definitely playing into his favor, still being projected as a potentially elite member of the 2025 class.
In order to discuss some of the top 2025 NFL Draft prospects, Williams included, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid joined The First Team NFL Draft and College Football Podcast. That included what Williams has put on film so far, and what the next step for him this fall.
Here’s what Reid had to say about the Bulldogs star defender:
I'm not a huge hot take guy, but this may be one just because I liked him so much. I just see the ascension that could happen this year and it's Mykel Williams of Georgia. I think he's not only the best defensive end in this draft class, but I think he has a chance to be the first defensive player off of the board in this draft class. If you just look at the size, that 6-5 and 265 pounds. He just turned 20 years old a month ago. And then I don't think he has been utilized the proper way. I'll say that in George's defense, just because he played so much defensive tackle. He played that kind of 4, 4i technique on the inside shoulder of the tackle. But this year, he's going to be transitioning to stand up outside linebacker. So with those traits, and the bend that he has, he's already an NFL run defender. I think if a team had a game tomorrow in the NFL, he would be just fine as a run defender. Now, the pass rush repertoire and the acumen in that area does need to improve. He simply just has not had a lot of reps in that area. So Mikel Williams, he's one of my early favorites overall in this draft class, and it would not surprise me if he ends up being the first defensive player off of the board. That's how high I am on this player.
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Roberts’ Take
During summer scouting, it’s usually suggested to get on traits. In the end, you are projecting forward and taking an educated guess for how much a player might get better with an extra season of experience. One position that taking the leap of faith is typically justified is on the EDGE. That is a spot where those athletic traits, including length, explosions, and bend are so important.
Williams has those things at a high volume. Yes, he’s an incomplete evaluation right now. We just haven’t seen him rush from wide alignments nearly enough to know whether he can do it with high efficiency. That is where the projection needs to happen. Williams is wiry, strong, and has length for days. His best days are more than likely ahead of him, at least we hope.
