The Georgia Bulldogs have a rich tradition of producing top-tier defensive talent, and one of the most exciting young players to emerge from their defensive line in recent seasons is Mykel Williams. The sophomore pass rusher from Columbus, Georgia, has quickly developed into one of the most feared defenders in college football, thanks to his explosive playmaking ability and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Williams has garnered significant attention from NFL scouts, with one NFC South team reportedly showing serious interest in the dynamic defensive end.
In this article, we’ll explore Mykel Williams’ rise to prominence, his skill set, and what makes him such an attractive prospect for NFL teams. We’ll also break down the NFC South team’s potential interest and what his future might look like as he continues to make a name for himself on the national stage.
Mykel Williams: A Rising Star in Georgia’s Defensive Line
Mykel Williams made an immediate impact in his freshman year at the University of Georgia. After coming out of Hardaway High School as one of the nation’s top defensive prospects, Williams lived up to the hype by playing a crucial role in the Bulldogs’ defensive line. His combination of size, speed, and agility allowed him to contribute immediately as a pass rusher, helping Georgia build one of the most fearsome defenses in the country.
Williams stands at 6’5″ and weighs around 265 pounds, a size that gives him the ability to overpower offensive linemen while maintaining the quickness and athleticism to disrupt quarterbacks in the pocket. This combination of size and speed makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses, and it’s a big reason why he’s been so successful as a pass rusher. He’s not just a big body; he’s a versatile and dynamic player who can line up in various positions along the defensive line and generate pressure from almost anywhere.
In his first season at Georgia, Williams made a statement by finishing with 10.5 tackles for loss and 7 sacks. His ability to create disruption in the backfield earned him recognition as one of the most promising young pass rushers in college football. His performance didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named to multiple freshman All-America teams and became one of the key components of Georgia’s elite defense.
In his sophomore year, Williams continued to grow and develop. His pass-rushing technique became more refined, and his ability to read offenses and anticipate plays made him even more effective. Williams’ motor never stops running, and he’s always in pursuit of the ball, making him a consistent force on every down. His leadership on the defensive line has also been praised, as he’s grown into a player who can rally his teammates and set the tone for the defense.
But it’s not just his physical abilities that have made Williams stand out—his football IQ is off the charts. He has an innate ability to understand offensive schemes and quickly recognize where the quarterback is most vulnerable. This awareness allows him to exploit weaknesses in the offensive line and generate pressure, often leading to sacks, forced fumbles, or hurried throws.
Mykel Williams’ Skill Set: What Makes Him Special?
When it comes to evaluating pass rushers for the NFL, there are a number of factors that scouts look for: physical traits, work ethic, technical skills, and the ability to impact the game. Williams checks all of these boxes and more, making him an intriguing prospect for any team in need of a dynamic edge rusher.
1. Size and Physical Traits
As previously mentioned, Williams’ 6’5″ frame and 265-pound weight make him a physical presence on the field. He’s big enough to hold his own against offensive tackles and powerful enough to drive them back into the quarterback’s lap. His strength allows him to set the edge in the run game, but it’s his quickness and explosiveness that make him such a dangerous pass rusher.
While many defensive linemen struggle to maintain their speed and agility as they bulk up, Williams has managed to keep his quickness, which allows him to generate pressure in the blink of an eye. His ability to accelerate off the line of scrimmage and close the gap between him and the quarterback is a key factor in his success as a pass rusher.
2. Pass-Rushing Technique
Williams’ natural ability as a pass rusher is complemented by his technical prowess. Over his time at Georgia, he has refined his pass-rushing technique, using an arsenal of moves to get past blockers. Whether it’s his explosive first step, his hand-fighting technique to disengage from blockers, or his ability to dip and bend around the edge, Williams has developed a varied skill set that makes him unpredictable.
One of his strongest assets as a pass rusher is his ability to combine power and finesse. He can bull-rush offensive tackles with his strength and overpower them, but he can also use his agility to make quick, sharp cuts around the edge. This versatility allows him to be effective against different types of offensive linemen, whether they’re known for their strength or agility.
3. Football IQ and Awareness
Beyond his physical skills, Williams’ football IQ is another area where he excels. He has a keen understanding of offensive line techniques and how to exploit them. His pre-snap reads allow him to identify the most vulnerable areas in the offensive line, and his ability to diagnose plays as they unfold is a testament to his football intelligence.
Williams also has a knack for creating turnovers. His awareness in passing situations allows him to time his rushes perfectly, often getting his hands on the ball during a sack or forcing a fumble. This creates opportunities for his teammates and helps swing the momentum of the game.
4. Versatility
One of the key reasons why NFL teams are so high on Williams is his versatility. While he’s primarily known as an edge rusher, he has the ability to play in multiple positions along the defensive line. This gives defensive coordinators flexibility in terms of how they scheme and how they use him to attack the quarterback.
Williams has the ability to line up in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive systems, making him a valuable asset for any NFL team. Whether playing as a stand-up edge rusher in a 3-4 defense or as a traditional defensive end in a 4-3 front, Williams has the tools to thrive in a variety of defensive schemes.
The NFC South Team’s Interest: What Does This Mean?
As Mykel Williams continues to dominate at Georgia, NFL scouts and coaches are starting to take notice, and one team that has reportedly shown strong interest is a franchise from the NFC South. While details remain sparse about which team exactly is showing interest, the NFC South division as a whole is full of franchises with varying needs along their defensive lines. Teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all have their eyes on upgrading their pass rush, and Williams could be the perfect addition to one of these rosters.
1. Atlanta Falcons: A Homecoming?
For Mykel Williams, the Atlanta Falcons might be an intriguing destination. Williams hails from Columbus, Georgia, which is about a two-hour drive from Atlanta. The Falcons are a team that has been looking for a dynamic edge rusher to complement their defense, and Williams could provide just that. With his combination of power, speed, and versatility, Williams could immediately contribute to a Falcons defense that has made strides in recent seasons but is still in need of a game-changing pass rusher.
2. New Orleans Saints: A Need for Pass Rush Help
The New Orleans Saints are another NFC South team that could be in the market for a pass rusher. With defensive coordinator Dennis Allen known for his aggressive defensive schemes, adding a talent like Williams could further elevate their defensive front. Williams would fit perfectly in the Saints’ system, which often relies on generating pressure from the edge. With a long history of success on the defensive side of the ball, the Saints would be a strong suitor for Williams.
3. Carolina Panthers: Rebuilding the Defense
The Carolina Panthers, under new leadership, are looking to rebuild their defense and add key pieces to their front seven. Williams would be an ideal fit for a Panthers team looking to develop a more disruptive defense. Carolina is still in a developmental phase, and Williams could grow into a centerpiece of their defense for years to come.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bolstering the Defense
Finally, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with their recent Super Bowl victory still fresh in their minds, might be another team interested in Williams’ talents. Tampa Bay has a solid defense, but adding a young, talented pass rusher like Williams would give them another tool in their quest to remain competitive in the NFC South. Williams could slot in as a starter or rotational player, giving Tampa Bay the flexibility it needs to keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
What’s Next for Mykel Williams?
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws nearer, Mykel Williams will undoubtedly continue to attract attention from NFL teams across the league. His blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him a highly sought-after prospect, and the NFC South teams are just a few of the many who will likely take a long, hard look at him.
Williams’ stock is expected to rise even further as the draft process unfolds, with additional workouts, interviews, and scouting reports. However, for now, all eyes remain on his collegiate career as he continues to dominate in college football. Whether he stays at Georgia for another year or decides to declare for the draft early, Williams has the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.
For Georgia Bulldogs fans, the excitement surrounding Williams is palpable. As he continues to develop into one of the top pass rushers in the country, his future in the NFL looks incredibly bright.