Mykel Williams NFL Draft Projection: 3 Best Landing Spots for Georgia Bulldogs DE

As the NFL Draft approaches, one of the most anticipated players to follow is Mykel Williams, a dominant defensive end from the University of Georgia. Williams has been a staple of Georgia’s defensive line, contributing to one of the most formidable defenses in college football. His blend of size, power, and athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect who could potentially rise up draft boards and be one of the top defensive players selected. In this analysis, we will explore Williams’ NFL Draft projection, his strengths and weaknesses, and look at three ideal landing spots for him based on team needs and his skill set.

Mykel Williams’ Background and Skill Set

Before diving into his NFL Draft projection and the best landing spots, it’s essential to understand what Mykel Williams brings to the table as a player.

Size and Physical Attributes: Williams stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs around 290 pounds. His size is an obvious asset, as he combines the frame of a traditional defensive end with the explosiveness and agility of a player who could excel both in pass-rush situations and against the run. This frame allows him to be versatile in how he’s utilized, as he can line up both as a 4-3 defensive end or as a 3-4 outside linebacker in specific schemes.

Athleticism: Williams is known for his ability to close down the pocket and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His lateral quickness allows him to change direction fluidly, which gives him an edge when rushing from the outside. His speed off the edge, combined with his ability to disengage from blockers, makes him a constant threat to quarterbacks.

Run Defense and Power: Williams’ strength against the run has been highlighted numerous times. His ability to shed blockers and keep contain while stopping the run has been key to Georgia’s defensive success. He plays with a high motor, and his ability to remain disciplined while being a physical force is a rare combination that NFL teams look for in a defensive lineman.

Pass Rush: When it comes to rushing the passer, Williams uses a combination of quickness, strength, and hand technique to disrupt plays. He’s a versatile pass-rusher who can line up inside or outside, giving defensive coordinators a lot of flexibility with how they use him. His production on the field has been impressive, as he routinely finds ways to pressure quarterbacks even when facing double-teams or chip blocks.

Room for Improvement: Although Williams is one of the most well-rounded defensive ends in college football, his game still has room for refinement. While he’s effective as a pass rusher, his technique could improve to ensure a more consistent bull rush and to better execute counter moves when initial contact doesn’t work. Developing a stronger arsenal of pass-rushing moves will be crucial for his transition to the NFL, where linemen are more polished and offenses will scheme specifically against him.

NFL Draft Projection for Mykel Williams

As of now, Mykel Williams is projected to be selected in the first or second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Depending on his performance in pre-draft evaluations such as the NFL Combine and Pro Days, he could either solidify his standing as a high first-round pick or fall slightly to the early second round. His versatility, strong college career, and the increasing demand for dynamic edge players make him an appealing choice for teams looking to bolster their defensive lines.

While there are some concerns about his pass-rushing technique and consistency, his physical attributes and raw talent suggest that he will be a highly valued prospect in the draft. The right coaching staff and scheme will be crucial in developing his skills to their full potential.

Best Landing Spots for Mykel Williams

Given Mykel Williams’ strengths and areas for development, several NFL teams could be an ideal fit for him. These teams would allow him to utilize his skills immediately while providing the necessary coaching to improve his pass-rushing techniques. Below are the three best landing spots for Williams, based on team needs and their defensive schemes.

1. Detroit Lions – A Rebuilding Defense with Promise

The Detroit Lions have been making significant strides in recent seasons, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. However, their defense has been an area of concern for a while. The Lions have worked on improving their defense under head coach Dan Campbell, and Mykel Williams could be the missing piece to help them take their defense to the next level.

Why the Lions Need Mykel Williams: Detroit’s defensive line is still in need of a true pass-rusher and a player who can consistently generate pressure. Williams has the physical traits that would make him an ideal fit in Detroit’s 4-3 defensive scheme. His ability to play both the edge and move inside would provide the Lions with flexibility, especially as they continue to develop young talent around the defensive line.

The Lions’ defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, runs a defense that requires a versatile defensive line capable of rushing the passer while also holding strong in run defense. Williams fits the mold of a player who could thrive in that system, as he has shown the ability to be disruptive against both the run and the pass. With some refinement in his pass-rushing technique, Williams could become the centerpiece of the Lions’ defensive line.

Fit in Detroit’s Scheme: As a 4-3 defense, the Lions’ scheme would allow Williams to work as both an edge rusher and a defensive tackle in certain situations. Williams could start on the outside as a traditional defensive end and then kick inside on passing downs to create mismatches. His versatility would allow the Lions to be unpredictable in their pass rush, which could keep offensive lines guessing.

2. Cleveland Browns – A Power Defense Needing a Strong Edge Rusher

The Cleveland Browns have invested heavily in their defense over the past few years, but they’ve yet to secure a true edge rusher who can consistently get to the quarterback. While the Browns have talented players like Myles Garrett, adding a dynamic and versatile player like Mykel Williams would give their defense another powerful weapon.

Why the Browns Need Mykel Williams: Cleveland’s defense has one major weakness: a lack of a consistent secondary pass rusher. Garrett is a star, but the Browns need someone who can relieve some of the pressure from him and provide the defense with another player who can collapse the pocket. Williams fits the profile of the type of player that could help in this area. He has the strength and burst to get after the quarterback and would complement Garrett well, providing a one-two punch that opposing offensive lines would have trouble dealing with.

Fit in Cleveland’s Scheme: Cleveland operates a 4-3 base defense, and Mykel Williams would slot in as a defensive end opposite Garrett. With his size and power, Williams could thrive in Cleveland’s scheme, using his length and strength to engage offensive tackles and collapse the pocket. The Browns could also experiment with moving Williams inside on passing downs to take advantage of his quickness and strength. Adding Williams would give Cleveland a dynamic defensive line that could become one of the most feared units in the NFL.

3. Philadelphia Eagles – A Team Ready for a Championship Push

The Philadelphia Eagles are among the NFL’s elite teams, and their defense is one of the most formidable in the league. The Eagles are built around their aggressive pass rush, which has been one of their signature traits over the past few seasons. However, there is always room for improvement, and Mykel Williams could be the player to take their defensive line to the next level.

Why the Eagles Need Mykel Williams: The Eagles have a strong defensive front, but they need to continue adding young, dynamic pass rushers to maintain their status as one of the league’s most feared defenses. Williams’ versatility would allow defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to get creative with how he uses him. Whether rushing off the edge, kicking inside, or even standing up in certain pass-rushing packages, Williams’ flexibility would allow the Eagles to create constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Fit in Philadelphia’s Scheme: Philadelphia runs a 4-3 base defense, but they also frequently deploy sub-packages, such as the 4-2-5, to maximize pass-rush opportunities. Williams would fit well in this scheme, as he would be able to line up on the edge in standard packages but also rush from the interior in passing situations. The Eagles would likely use him in a rotation with other talented defensive linemen, keeping Williams fresh while ensuring that the pressure never stops.

The Eagles’ defensive front is already talented, with stars like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham. However, adding Williams would give them another young, athletic player to complement these veterans. Over time, Williams could take on a more prominent role and develop into one of the league’s premier pass rushers.

Mykel Williams has all the physical tools to be a standout defensive end in the NFL. Whether he’s lining up as a traditional defensive end or moving inside in pass-rush situations, his versatility makes him an intriguing prospect. Teams like the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles are all great landing spots for Williams, offering him the opportunity to develop into a star while contributing immediately. Each of these teams has a need for a dynamic edge rusher, and Williams has the potential to become a key player on their respective defenses.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, expect Williams to continue to rise as a top-tier prospect. The team that lands him will be getting a player with immense upside, and with the right coaching, Williams has the potential to become one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players.