San Francisco Sports Today

San Francisco Sports News Continuously Updated

Recapping 49ers fan reactions to drafting Georgia DE Mykel Williams

by

Mykel Williams Max Duggan University of Georgia vs Texas Christian University, 2022 CFP National Championship
Set Number: X164274 TK1

The San Francisco 49ers selected Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night. After an offseason devoid of big-name acquisitions, Williams is the biggest name addition the Niners have made since the end of the season. If you trust social media as a barometer for fan reactions, the 49ers fan base was quickly sold on the pick.

O Liner
One of the youngest guys in the draft. Absolute demon setting the edge. Injury hampered his production last year but has huge pass rushing upside.
He should feast opposite Bosa. Saleh and Coach K getting their line back

FrankTheTank49247
Good God the thing that stands out about this Kid is LENGTH!!! His arms are like a pair of snowboards and he literally made Kelvin Banks look Average in the 2 Texas Games? I mean he was just tossing him around like it was nothing? Kid is young, raw and from all I hear a born leader and do it all player I LIKE IT!!

While the majority of the fan base seemed confident Williams was the ideal fit, there were some concerned about his eventual upside. Granted, even some of the “critics” of the pick are confident he will be a positive addition in run defense. Of course, it would not be the first time the Niners have prioritized fit over upside.

GhostOfWalsh
A bit high at 11 based on production to date. More of a 20-25 guy in my view. However…
If they can get him up to 10 sacks annually, it will be a strong selection.
Next pick: DT.

NinerGang365
The thing with Mykel Williams is he has a lot of things you love as far as height, weight, speed, arm length, athleticism. He’s a physical freak anyway you look at it. And he’s a very good run defender/edge setter. What you don’t love (at least I didn’t love) was his pass rush arsenal. He’s lacking in that area. He doesn’t have as many tools in the toolbox as far as different ways to win as a pass rusher. And for someone picked this high you would prefer to have that not be the case. You would prefer that his best qualities be more about pass rushing than edge setting.
This pick is gonna depend on how well they’re gonna be able to coach him up. If they can teach this kid a pass rush plan, he’s gonna be a monster because he’s got everything else. But if he continues to only win one way, he’s gonna get stonewalled at the NFL level against even average OTs.

What’s your take on the pick?