49ers stick to the script in the first round and make the safe pick, but it's exactly what they needed to build for the future
There’s no surprise in San Francisco after all. With the 11th overall pick, the 49ers stayed put and selected Georgia edge defender Mykel Williams, a perfect complement to Nick Bosa as a defensive end on Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme.After the top offensive linemen were off the board, there was no question left about what the […]
There’s no surprise in San Francisco after all. With the 11th overall pick, the 49ers stayed put and selected Georgia edge defender Mykel Williams, a perfect complement to Nick Bosa as a defensive end on Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme.
After the top offensive linemen were off the board, there was no question left about what the 49ers would do. And with an ideal target like Williams on the board, it was an easy decision for general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Mykel Williams Scouting Report
Mykel WiIliams, EDGE, Georgia
Age (Birthday): 21 (6/29/2004)
A to Z Sports Expected Draft Position: 16
Pre-Draft Round Projection: 1
From a physical perspective, Williams has everything you would want from a defensive end. He is long, powerful, and possesses rare explosiveness for a player his size. While at Georgia, Williams was asked to do a lot of different things. From working efficiently at the point of attack, two gapping, and playing various alignments, versatility was the name of the game. Williams should be an immediate contributor as a run defender because of that development. The main issue with Williams is his pass rush, where the Georgia native rarely worked from wider alignments. That area of skill is a complete guessing game with him, and the production hasn't matched his talent yet. Williams is your traditional borderline five star player who showed up to Athens as a physically advanced player, but patience will be needed at the next level.
Career Projection: Boom Bust Starter Potential
Why the 49ers picked him
The 49ers badly needed options to rush the passer from the edge beyond Nick Bosa. Outside of their star defensive end, the room had a combination of Yetur Gross-Matos, Drake Jackson, Sam Okuayinonu, Alex Barrett, Jonathan Garvin, Robert Beal Jr., and Tarron Jackson.
To make things more urgent, Gross-Matos, who's the projected starter opposite Bosa, is entering the final season of the two-year contract he signed in 2024.
"You hear us talk a lot about setting edges," general manager John Lynch said on Tuesday about his preferred style at the position. "You've got to have the ability to set a firm edge. When we're playing that wide nine technique, setting an edge there's space, so you have to be able to take that space away that is initially there. That's something we covet, and obvious you take a look at 'Can they put pressure?'"
Therefore, it's not a surprise that the 49ers are attacking the position, especially considering how much defensive coordinator Robert Saleh values beating the opposing offensive line rushing with four. The draft investment is relevant because, outside of Bosa, the only draft picks from the group were Drake Jackson (second-round pick in 2022) and Robert Beal (5th-rounder in 2023).
These potential first-round picks would absolutely stun 49ers fans and challenge everything we think we know
San Francisco has a truly impactful process ahead
