Vikings interior pass rush woes could be solved by acquiring star edge rusher

The focus for the Minnesota Vikings has been with finding a defensive tackle that can rush the passer. What if they choose to focus on the edge position? They have two players set to hit free agency this March in Jihad Ward and Pat Jones II and Andrew Van Ginkel is set to be a […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Oct 19, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Mykel Williams face masks Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning in the second quarter at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
Jay Janner/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

The focus for the Minnesota Vikings has been with finding a defensive tackle that can rush the passer. What if they choose to focus on the edge position?

They have two players set to hit free agency this March in Jihad Ward and Pat Jones II and Andrew Van Ginkel is set to be a free agent after the 2025 season. It's more of a need than you might think.

The latest installment of our SKOL Search series focuses on an intriguing name in NFL Mock Drafts for the Vikings in Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams.

Mykel Williams

  • Georgia
  • Height: 6051
  • Weight: 260
  • Class: Third-year Junior
  • Recruiting info: 4-star recruit in 2021 class per 247 Sports
  • Stats: 67 tackles (41 solo), 23.0 tackles for loss, 14.0 sacks, 85 pressures, 4 passes defended, 1 fumble recovered, 3 forced fumbles
  • Games watched: Alabama 2024, Texas 2024, Texas (SEC Championship) 2024

Strengths

  • Awareness: He is a very smart and savvy player. Wherever he's lined up, Williams keeps his eyes up and always knows what's going on in front of him. Stays patient in zone-read plays and gets his hands up constantly when he doesn't get home in the pass rush.
  • Power: Williams has power in his hands. When he places his punch well, he gets some good knockback and can flourish in maintaining his gap. 
  • Length: Williams is incredibly long. With 34 3/8" arms and a wingspan of 82 7/8", he does a great job of getting into the blocker's chest and keeping them from locking him up.
  • Run Defense: The Georgia defensive line doesn't put a major emphasis on rushing the passer, but they do a great job against the run. Williams does a great job staying patient and playing solid gap-control football.

Weaknesses

  • Explosiveness: You can tell Williams is a good athlete, but he doesn't use it enough when rushing the passer. Some of that in 2024 could stem from the tightrope surgery he had in September, but it needs to improve to maximize his game. 
  • Pass Rush Plan: When he does rush the passer, Williams flashes the ability to use multiple pass rush moves, but there isn't a cohesive plan to put it together consistently.
  • Durability: Williams has had issues staying healthy. He had foot surgery after the 2022 season and tightrope ankle surgery after the season opener this year.

Overview

TraitGrade

Bend

8.0/10

Quickness/Burst

12.2/15

Finesse

4.5/5

Power

4.6/5

Counters

8.3/10

Awareness

9.0/10

Run Defense

9.2/10

Versatility

8.7/10

Size/Length

13.6/15

Tackling

8.5/10

Grade

86.6 First Round Grade

Williams is a really intriguing prospect. He profiles somewhat similarly to Travon Walker who went first overall in 2022, but he doesn't have the same amount of juice. His run defense is of a similar quality, as is his length and awareness. Pair that with the ability to be versatile and kick inside and you have a really intriguing player.

The Vikings could certainly use him with their NASCAR package, especially since they desperately need a pass rush from the interior. Edge rusher isn't a pressing need, but they do need depth and the versatility that he has paired with Jonathan Greenard and Dallas Turner could wreak havoc on offensive lines for years.

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