49ers grab Mykel Williams with No. 11 pick

The San Francisco 49ers selected Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 11th overall.

The 49ers add Williams after seeing a few veteran defensive standouts leave following the 2024 season, including Talanoa Hufanga, Javon Hargrave, and Leonard Floyd. Robert Saleh will return as defensive coordinator for 2025.

The former Bulldogs standout racked up 14 sacks and 23 tackles for loss during his collegiate career. Williams is poised to line up opposite 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa.

Pre-draft profile

Don't overrate the lack of sack production here. It's something to consider, as Williams earned just five last season, but the outlook for his pro career is far more favorable than the numbers might suggest. The Georgia product is an outstanding run defender who lined up across the defensive front, even showing the skill to eat up double-teams. He'll be able to set the edge with the best of them. He also shows the hand usage and awareness to defeat blocks and make a play on the ball. While the pass-rush element involves a bit of projection, it wasn't difficult to see the upside when he had opportunities to line up wide and get after the quarterback. Williams can win with power and a quick inside swipe. Given time to expand his pass-rush arsenal, he should be an every-down player whose statistical production only improves after he jumps to the professional level.