The San Francisco 49ers took a bit of a wrecking ball to the roster over the offseason, with several key contributors departing via trades or free agency as the organization gears up to sign quarterback Brock Purdy to a top-dollar extension.
Among those stars who will be elsewhere, wide receiver Deebo Samuel was dealt to the Washington Commanders, Drew Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga signed with the Broncos, and Charvarius Ward is an Indianapolis Colt.
However, one of the 49ers’ top incoming rookies might be an instant upgrade along the front-seven.
How San Francsico 49ers Struck Gold with Mykel Williams
ESPN’s Matt Bowen put together a list of the incoming rookies who landed with their “perfect” fit, including 49ers first-round pick Mykel Williams near the top of the list.
“Under new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Williams fits as a three-down defender,” Bowen writes for ESPN. “In San Francisco’s 40 front. Saleh can create a launch pad for Williams as a pass rusher from wide-nine alignments, which should put him in a position to win with speed-to-power opposite Nick Bosa. Plus, I can see Saleh scheming up some interior matchups. That would allow Williams to use his 6-foot-5 frame and quickness to attack guards in protection.
“Williams is an edge setter who will compete at the point of attack, so he’s also built for early-down work as a run defender. He needs more development, but the physical tools and play style fit with the 49ers’ defensive identity under Saleh.”
While Williams is unlikely to instantly be an upgrade over Bosa’s prior production, he was one of the more heralded defensive line prospects in this year’s draft class, and has the potential to make an immediate impact on a defense desperately in need of it.
Last season, Williams logged five sacks with 15 quarterback hurries as a key piece of the Georgia Bulldogs’ dominant defense, so it’s easy to see what drew the Niners to prioritize him in the first round.
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