Georgia football defensive end Mykel Williams had a great career for the Bulldogs. Williams is a National Champion and two-time All-SEC second team selection. Williams had hype coming into UGA as a 5-star prospect and had even higher expectations coming into his junior season where many pegged him as a top NFL draft prospect.
Williams battled an ankle injury throughout his junior season, but he still made a huge impact and competed on the highest stages every time on the field. However, media members and some NFL scouts are beginning to push him down their draft boards because of the injuries and lack of pass rush production from this past season.
He still has a lot of fans in the NFL Draft world because of his athletic ability, prototypical size, and youth. The drop in the view of Willams as an edge rush prospect however makes you question what teams could use his "fall" to draft him that normally wouldn't be able to.
Potential NFL fits for Mykel Willams
1. Buffalo Bills
The Bills have the 30th overall draft pick overall and could have a gem if Williams falls that far as they need to continue to add to their defensive front and add potential game changers. The Bills defensive coaches are some of the best in the league and Williams would excel in this environment without having to be the best pass rusher.
2. San Franciso 49ers
The 49ers have the 11th pick overall in the draft, and some would argue that this should be the spot for Williams to be selected. Robert Saleh is one of the best defensive coordinators in the league, and his fronts produce every single season. Learning from Nick Bosa would also be great for Williams and he would provide immediate toughness and run defense to a depleted front seven.
3. Detroit Lions
The Lions pride themselves on playing tough defense. They have the 28th pick in the first round and could play chess again in the draft. Pairing Williams with Aidan Hutchinson could cause havoc in the NFC North for a decade. Lack of depth was their achilles heel last season, why not add another edge rusher?
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Edge rusher may not be the primary need of the Raiders, but a talent like Williams can never hurt. The Raiders just hired future Hall of Fame coach Pete Caroll and pairing Williams with veteran Maxx Crosby could be very beneficial for Williams. Las Vegas could use their high second-round pick to take a chance on the high potential of Mykel.
Williams is still a super talented player and prospect and he could still be selected in the top 15 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, there is a chance Williams drops further than that, and these teams could really benefit using a late first round pick or an early second pick on him. Talented young players usually don't fall, but in a year with a record amount of defensive linemen that could change.