Mykel Williams, a standout defensive end from the University of Georgia, is poised to make a significant impact in the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6’5″ and 265 pounds, Williams possesses an ideal frame for an edge rusher, combining size, strength, and athleticism that has NFL scouts salivating.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mykel Williams, Georgia
Background and College Career
Hailing from Columbus, Georgia, Williams arrived in Athens as a highly touted five-star recruit in 2022. He immediately made his presence felt, earning Freshman All-America honors and showcasing the raw talent that would define his college career. Over three seasons with the Bulldogs, Williams steadily improved his production and technique, culminating in Second-Team All-SEC selections in both 2023 and 2024.
Williams’ versatility has been a hallmark of his time at Georgia. He’s demonstrated the ability to line up in various positions along the defensive front, from a traditional 4-3 defensive end to a stand-up edge rusher in 3-4 looks. This adaptability will undoubtedly appeal to NFL teams running multiple defensive fronts.
Statistical Production
While Williams’ raw numbers may not jump off the page, his impact extends far beyond the stat sheet. Over his three-year career at Georgia, he accumulated 65 total tackles, 14 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. His junior season saw him record 21 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, showcasing his continued development and increased impact on the field.
Strengths
Williams’ physical attributes are his most immediately apparent strength. His combination of size, length, and athleticism is rare, even by NFL standards. At the point of attack, Williams showcases exceptional power, using violent hands to control blocks and create separation. This strength translates well to both run defense and pass rushing.
In the run game, Williams excels at setting a strong edge, using his length and heavy hands to stack and shed blocks with authority. He demonstrates advanced recognition skills, rarely getting caught out of position on misdirection plays or zone reads.
As a pass rusher, Williams brings a formidable bull rush that can collapse the pocket, showing the ability to convert speed to power and walk tackles back into the quarterback. He also displays impressive lateral agility for his size, particularly when working line games and stunts with interior defenders.
Perhaps most importantly, Williams possesses an elite motor that never quits. He consistently shows up in backside pursuit and maintains his intensity late in games when others are fatigued.
Areas for Improvement
Despite his immense potential, Williams still has room for growth. His get-off at the snap is sometimes slow, which can negate his athletic advantages. He also needs to refine his hand usage when rushing the passer, as he can sometimes end up chest-to-chest with offensive linemen, neutralizing his length advantage.
Williams’ pass rush repertoire, while showing flashes of brilliance, lacks a consistent go-to move that he can rely on at the next level. Developing a more diverse array of pass rush techniques will be crucial for his success in the NFL.
In run defense, Williams occasionally struggles with gap discipline and can be late to recognize pulling linemen. These issues, while concerning, are generally considered coachable at the next level.
NFL Projection
Williams is widely projected as a mid-first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His rare physical traits and production at a premier program like Georgia make him an enticing prospect for teams in need of edge rush help.
At just 20 years old at the time of the draft, Williams will be one of the youngest players available, offering tremendous upside for the team that selects him. His scheme versatility will make him attractive to a wide range of teams, as he has the potential to excel in both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive fronts.
Conclusion
Mykel Williams enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most intriguing defensive prospects available. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism is rare, and his production at Georgia speaks to his ability to impact games at the highest level of college football.
While there are aspects of his game that need refinement, particularly in his pass rush technique and consistency, Williams’ ceiling is extraordinarily high. With proper coaching and development, he has the potential to become a dominant force off the edge in the NFL.
For teams looking to bolster their pass rush and run defense, Mykel Williams represents a tantalizing option in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His youth, physical tools, and proven production against top-tier competition make him a prospect with the potential to transform an NFL defense for years to come.
