Top pass-rushing prospect in 2025 NFL Draft reveals injury severity ahead of Combine workout drills
Georgia Bulldogs pass-rusher Mykel Williams didn't have the season he anticipated in 2024. One of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite playing only 1,190 snaps over three seasons, revealed why that was the case at Wednesday's NFL Combine. While on the podium for interviews, Williams told reporters he played at 60% health […]
Georgia Bulldogs pass-rusher Mykel Williams didn't have the season he anticipated in 2024. One of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite playing only 1,190 snaps over three seasons, revealed why that was the case at Wednesday's NFL Combine.
While on the podium for interviews, Williams told reporters he played at 60% health throughout the year. An ankle injury that caused him to miss chunks of games until Week 8 and affected him in the games he did play was re-aggravated in the Sugar Bowl. Because of that, Williams will not be working out at the combine.
Taking time off has allowed him to gear up for his Georgia Pro Day. While a date has not been set for that Pro Day publicly, we anticipate it being in the middle or late part of March.
Interestingly, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport referred to Williams as "a likely top 10 pick" despite the injury concerns. With only 14 sacks over his career, Williams has largely been a projection based on his traits. However, it's fair to wonder if Williams is durable enough to expect a full-time role in the NFL or if he's as athletic as expected.
His participation at the Pro Day will be highly scrutinized now. A plus run defender with great length, natural strength, and speed, Williams looks the part of an NFL star on tape. He needs to stay on the field, though, and his lack of time playing and producing could crater his stock.
Players like Jack Sawyer, Princely Umanmielen, and Shemar Stewart aren't clearly better prospects than Williams, but they've been more productive and on the field more often. With only 85 quarterback pressures over his career, the overall body of work doesn't match the traits.
Teams will wonder about that and whether Williams' body can withstand the league's physicality. Of course, if he dominates at his Pro Day and his medical exams are good, then it's possible his stock never falls.
It's more likely that teams will be weary of his red flags instead of fully embracing them, and we could see Williams fall to the middle or later part of the first-round.
