The San Francisco 49ers selected Mykel Williams with their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, knowing that he was going to be a star for them, but now it is looking like he is going to be a for-sure starter for them this season.
Williams has impressed in every opportunity he has been given, whether it was rookie mini camp or right now in training camp, the Niners are loving what they are seeing from the former Bulldog. At this point, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh isn't even trying to hide the fact that Williams isn't competing with anyone for the starting job on the defensive line.
"Even if it was a discussion, it wouldn't take long because look at him," Saleh said in a press conference during media availability at training camp. "He's very powerful, he's got great hands, he has great flexibility to go inside and out, he’s unique in that regard, which we knew, which is why we were so excited to go get him."
Robert Saleh was asked if there was any offseason discussion about Mykel Williams starting as a rookie:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) July 29, 2025
“Even if it was a discussion, it doesn’t take long. Just look at him, right? He’s very powerful. He’s got great hands. He’s got great leverage. He has great flexibility to go… pic.twitter.com/YP97IKNEt6
Williams certainly is showing he belongs in the NFL, but a lot will come to light when the season officially starts because training camp is not exactly like the real games during the season. However, Williams is used to being the go-to guy as he started each and every game during his three years in Athens and contributed in so many ways day in and day out.
This all comes just a couple of days after Williams was projected to underperform in the 2025 season as a rookie, according to Bleacher Report. It is being reported that Williams will be the biggest bust for the Niners this season, but clearly, the team doesn't agree.
The 49ers have always been known for their stout defense that starts up front with their defensive line, so for Williams to be able to step up into a starter role right away is truly impressive, to say the least.
"Every day he is just going to get better and prove that he belongs," Saleh said.
If Williams has any doubt about his ability, he shouldn't know as the team is truly ready to back him, and his defensive coordinator himself is showing he believes in the young pass rusher as well.