Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams recorded 67 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and three forced fumbles during his college career.
MACON, Ga. — Former Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was the first Bulldog selected in this years draft and the first Bulldog the 49ers ever selected in the first round.
Williams, a five-star prospect coming out of high school and the nation’s No. 4 overall recruit, according to 247Sports Composite rankings, was always expected to produce in college, and over his three years in Athens, he became one of head coach Kirby Smart’s most reliable defenders.
The Columbus, Georgia native recorded 67 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and three forced fumbles during his college career and was consistently a force for a Georgia defensive line that has made a reputation for producing elite talent such as Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Travon Walker.
Williams’ athleticism popped off the screen in college. He showcased the quickness to be a great pass rusher and the power to disrupt any running attack that the college football landscape had to offer. Williams earned playing time early into his freshman year because his potential was clear, even on a loaded defensive line group.
Some scouts soured on Williams’ production during his time with Georgia, as he never recorded more than five sacks in a season in college. During Smart’s tenure, the Bulldogs have frequently rotated defensive linemen in and out of the game, which may have cut into Williams’ stat totals.
Another worry for scouts was Williams’ injury history. In his final season at Georgia, he suffered a grade 2 ankle sprain and was in and out of the lineup for the remainder of the season.
Still, the former Bulldog has many people confident about his future in the NFL. ESPN college football insider Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Williams 24th on his 2025 NFL Draft big board, in large part due to Williams’ stellar athletic ability.
“Williams is extremely explosive and wins as a pass rusher with speed-to-power,” Kiper wrote. “His bend off the edge is outstanding. The tools are all there, and his upside is immense.”
Williams now teams up with stellar defensive players like linebacker Fred Warner and pass rusher Nick Bosa, and gets to play in a stellar defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh. If he can stay healthy, him and Bosa will team up to create a dynamic pass rush duo.
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