Bleacher Report Sounds the Alarm on 49ers Rookie DE
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox made waves this week by naming Mykel Williams, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, as the San Francisco 49ers’ biggest potential bust of the season. The former Georgia Bulldog standout posted just 14 sacks in three seasons at UGA, and Knox argues that limited production combined with a stacked 49ers edge rusher room makes him a prime candidate to underwhelm.
“Williams may eventually be an NFL star, but he could easily underwhelm as a rookie,” Knox wrote, citing depth chart competition and past injuries.
Read More: 19 NFL “Draft Busts” That Proved Everyone Wrong
Why Williams Still Has Massive Upside
While the bust label might grab headlines, others in the NFL media world aren’t buying it.
Williams has proven he can be a versatile and reliable run-stopper, and the 49ers are expected to rotate him inside on passing downs, maximizing his unique frame and power. His junior season ankle injury at Georgia also limited his opportunities and skewed perceptions of his true potential.
More importantly, Williams will be working under Robert Saleh, a defensive coordinator known for developing front-seven talent. If he stays healthy, there’s every reason to believe Williams could be a breakout rookie, not a bust.
Several insiders have even pegged him as a top candidate for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Calling Mykel Williams a bust this early might be premature, especially considering the talent around him and the coaching staff behind him. While the label may stir debate, all signs point to Williams being one of the more NFL-ready defensive linemen of his draft class.
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