Tag: Mykel Williams

3 Georgia Bulldogs selected early in first round of 2025 NFL mock draft

Three Georgia Bulldogs are projected to go in the top half of the first-round in a recent CBS NFL mock draft.

CBS writer Ryan Wilson recently released his newest 2025 NFL mock draft. Wilson projects that three Georgia Bulldogs will go in the top half of the first round of his mock draft.

All three of Wilson’s projected first-round picks from Georgia play defense. The Bulldogs are among the best defenses in the country, but still have room for improvement.

Jalon Walker, Miami Dolphins, 12th overall

Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

Jalon Walker has shown insane versatility, lining up as both an off-ball linebacker and as an edge rusher. He’s a fast player that is great at block shedding, both in pass-rushing and run defense. He’s already drawn praise from NFL legends, such as Micah Parsons, who he’s received comparisons to. Walker would be an impact player for the Dolphins defense that sorely needs one in the front seven.

Mykel Williams, 14th overall, Chicago Bears

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Mykel Williams is a little further down from draft mocks earlier in the year. He was considered a contender for the No. 1 overall pick in September. However, he is still a one-of-one talent when he’s healthy.

Williams’ incredibly good against the run, showing elite upper-body strength and technique that helps him bulldoze offensive tackles. The Bears could use offensive lineman, but they could also use a second edge rusher to pair with Montez Sweat.

Malaki Starks, 16th overall, Seattle Seahawks

Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images

Starks would fit perfectly in former Georgia assistant Mike McDonald’s system. Starks is a safety with excellent range. He is super effective at reading running gaps and is one of the best tacklers on Georgia’s defense. That could make a Seattle defense that is already 12th in tackling grade, according to PFF, even better.

NFL mock draft: 49ers upgrade most important defensive position with Georgia star

A 2025 mock draft has the 49ers adding pass rush help:

Next year’s NFL draft will be fascinating and extremely important for the San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers are in a transition period with their roster where they’ll need to start finding replacements for some of the veteran stars that have helped carry them for the the last half decade. They need to start hitting on first-round picks and finding some superstars to replenish a roster that has been one of the NFL’s best for the last five years.

Barring a change in defensive philosophy, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they tried to find pass rush help with their first-round choice in the 2025 draft. That’s the exact route they go in a mock draft from Cory Kinnan at Daft on Draft. He has the 49ers snagging Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams with the No. 17 overall pick.

Via Daft on Draft:

Teams are going to love Mykel Williams. Even if he hasn’t hit his max potential at Georgia, and even if he has had some issues staying healthy and on the field. Williams is explosive as hell, built in a lab, and possesses massive 36-inch arms with the bend to win along the outside track as well.

There aren’t many things the 49ers love more than an edge rusher with measurables and high-caliber tools, although the injury issues may scare them off.

Williams in three seasons has played in 33 games, posting 11.0 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus credits him with 68 pressures. Perhaps the more notable thing that would make Williams so enticing for San Francisco is that he’s graded out very well as a run defender which would allow him to stay on the field for all three downs – something the 49ers will surely want from a first-round selection. There’s also a chance at Williams’ size that he could also contribute as an interior pass rusher.

There are other needs the 49ers could theoretically address in the first round of next year’s draft, but don’t be surprised if their pick goes toward a high-upside edge rusher like Williams.

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Draft prospects at DE to watch during Week 8 of college football season

Three edge rushers for Packers fans to watch during Week 8 of the college football season.

The Green Bay Packers’ pass rush has lacked juice through the season’s first six weeks. Devonte Wyatt, who has missed the last two games leads the team with three sacks. Keisan Nixon has the same amount of sacks (two) as Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness combined (two).

Before suffering a season-ending knee injury, Detroti’s Aidan Hutchinson recorded 45 pressures (via PFF). Gary, Preston Smith, Van Ness and Kingsley Enagabre have combined to record 28 pressures.

With Green Bay’s pass rush lacking punch and the 2025 NFL Draft 187 days away, let’s take a look at some edge rushers that could be on Brian Gutekunst’s radar.

Brunch Time: 11 a.m. Johnny Walker Jr, Missouri

Walker Jr is a well-rounded defensive end. He’s a solid run defender, who is stout at the point of attack and sets a firm edge. Pair that toughness against the run with his quick first step, and the Missouri edge rusher has the skill set that could make him an attractive Day 3 target as teams look to add depth up front.

Crack a beer: 2:30 p.m.: LT Overton, Alabama

The Texas A&M transfer has recorded 25 pressures in his first six games at Alabama, including a nine-pressure game last week against South Carolina game. Overton has excellent grip strength and the power to plow through blockers. He uses his long frame to help him detach from blocks and has a motor that runs hot.

Nightcap: 6:30 p.m.: Mykel Williams, Georgia

Williams has battled through an ankle injury and has played just 17 snaps the past two weeks. If Williams is able to ramp it up today, he’ll face a tough test against Texas. The Longhorns have a pair of offensive tackles, in Kelvin Banks Jr and Cameron Williams who could wind up being first round picks. At 6-5, 265 pounds, the former five-star recruit has an ideal frame. He’s strong at the point of attack against the run. With his size, quickness and strength, Williams possesses the tools to develop into a disruptive force as a pass rusher.

Georgia’s injury report ahead of game at Alabama

Here are the injury updates on Georgia Bulldogs like London Humphreys, Carson Beck, Mykel Williams, and Tate Ratledge.

Coming into a tradition-based matchup at No. 4 Alabama, the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs have been nicked by the injury bug quite a bit into this matchup. There are some notable players on it, and head coach Kirby Smart will need all the relief he can get for those injuries to improve his record against the Crimson Tide.

Already down guard Tate Ratledge and running back Roderick Robinson, the Bulldogs will also have to deal with wide receiver London Humphreys missing some time with a diagnosis of mononucleosis.

At least for Bulldogs fans, they won’t have to worry about Carson Beck not playing. After Beck suffered an AC sprain in his shoulder in the game against Kentucky, he’s healthy and expected to start.

Unfortunately, Bulldogs fans are still holding their breath on three players: Mykel Williams, Warren Brinson, and Jordan Hall. According to Kirby Smart, “They’re all working to come back. They’re all doing the rehab process, Warren’s (Brinson) really close, he’s out there doing stuff now. Mykel’s (Williams) running, Jordan’s (Hall) running, so we’re hoping to get those guys back.” Mykel Williams is “considered a game-time decision,” according to Pete Thames of ESPN.

Losing all three of those defenders, especially Williams, could be a huge blow, with Alabama’s stalwart offensive linemen all being healthy.

Here’s the full injury report Georgia has brought out before gameday:

Georgia

  • RB Roderick Robinson II – Out
  • WR London Humphreys – Out
  • OL Tate Ratledge – Out
  • WR Sacovie White – Out
  • DL Mykel Williams – Questionable
  • DL Jordan Hall – Questionable
  • DL Warren Brinson – Probable

 

Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams listed as a game-time decision tonight against Alabama

Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams will be a game-time decision for tonight’s game. Williams has been limited in practice.

The Georgia Bulldogs are gearing up for a Week 4 showdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Kirby Smart’s squad could be without its star edge rusher Mykel Williams. Williams is a projected first-round draft pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Georgia native has missed the past two games with a Grade 2 ankle sprain. Williams will be a game-time decision and will be evaluated during pregame warmups.

In Week 1, Williams tallied two tackles against Clemson. Over the course of his first two seasons, he recorded 44 tackles and nine sacks. He has the potential to fill the statsheet as a tackler and pass rusher. That is what makes Williams so valuable to the Bulldogs defense.

If he is available, it will provide a major boost for the Bulldogs. He has the potential to be a game wrecker. Alabama’s offensive line will be put to the test with or without Williams on the field. It will be an interesting thing to watch and see if Williams returns from injury for tonight’s game.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the latest regarding the Alabama football program and its game against Georgia.

How Jalen Milroe will test the UGA defense

UGA Wire looks at Jalen Milroe’s abilities and how that’ll contend with Georgia’s defense.

Georgia has a ton of star players to deal with in their matchup against Alabama (streaming tomorrow on ABC at 7:30 p.m. ET). The biggest star player for UGA to worry about is Jalen Milroe, the dual-threat quarterback commanding the offense of the Crimson Tide. College GameDay and the rest of the college football fandom will be watching to see how his skillset will test the loaded Georgia defense.

Milroe emerged as the starter at Alabama following Bryce Young’s departure for the 2023 NFL Draft, and his rookie season was excellent. He threw for 2,834 yards on 284 attempts, 23 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 177.5 passer rating, leading the Crimson Tide to a 27-24 win over the Bulldogs in the SEC Championship and a playoff berth, where they played the National Champion Michigan Wolverines close before losing 27-20.

So far this season, Milroe has 590 passing yards, eight touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 213.4 passer rating this year, albeit Alabama hasn’t played an SEC team until now.

Of course, Georgia will also have to compete with Milroe’s legs and arm. Milroe has 1,007 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns in his career, showing his prowess as a dual-threat quarterback. His legs put a lot of pressure on the defense, arguably making them his best weapon

That’s not to say that Milroe has no weakness in his game: he has a knack for hunting for the deep ball (he had 34 20+ air-yard throws last year), along with looking to run, which causes him to take a ton of sacks. He took 49 sacks last year + this year, which gives him an absurdly high 14.5 sack percentage.

Despite his mobility, he’s also not a quarterback who’s effective at sneaking. His attempt to hit the home run on most of his running plays can lead to negative plays, like sacks.

In that case, Georgia will have to make sure to win against Alabama’s offensive linemen to exploit this. It’s easier said than done, especially if Mykel Williams isn’t able to play. It’ll be a tough task for Georgia to claim victory over Alabama, but no. 4 under center for the Crimson Tide will make it even more difficult.

Kirby Smart updates the status of three injured Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs have three significant injuries along the defensive line including one to Mykel Williams

The Georgia Bulldogs may not have defensive end Mykel Williams available to play against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Williams, who is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, has not been practicing ahead of the Alabama game.

“I’m hopeful. We’ll see. He didn’t do much last week,” said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. “He got a lot of rehab Friday and Sunday and was able to run and do some things Friday and Sunday, which is positive. He hasn’t been out to practice today, and we’ll see how today goes.”

Georgia could certainly use Williams against Alabama. The Bulldogs rely on linebacker Jalon Walker much more without Williams, but the two players form a dynamic duo on the edge when they are both on the field.

Georgia, which will release an official injury report to the SEC on Wednesday, is dealing with more injuries along the defensive line.

“Warren practiced last week, the end of the week,” said Kirby Smart. Brinson enter the season banged up and then suffered an ankle contusion in Week 1 against Clemson.

Georgia has also been missing defensive tackle Jordan Hall all season. Hall suffered a pair of stress fractures in the preseason.

“We’re hopeful to get Jordan Hall back who’s been working really hard, tirelessly, doing rehab, and been busting his butt all weekend. So, we’ll see where he’s at today,” said Smart. Georgia shortened its defensive line rotation significantly against Kentucky and needs all hands on deck against Alabama.

Georgia Bulldog player goes No. 1 overall in 2025 NFL mock draft

Four Georgia football standouts go in first round of 2025 NFL mock draft

CBS writer Josh Edwards released his first 2025 NFL mock draft on Thursday (Sept. 5). Edwards has Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Mykel Williams going No. 1 to the New England Patriots in the 2025 NFL draft.

Williams would land in a perfect situation, becoming the leading pass rusher for the Patriots, who just traded Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons. The Patriots’ only former Georgia Bulldog is center David Andrews, so Williams could be New England’s latest first-round pick from Georgia.

Three other Georgia Bulldogs were selected in the first round of his mock draft, including Georgia quarterback Carson Beck.

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Carson Beck, 6th, Las Vegas Raiders

With this selection, Beck would reunite with his best pass-catcher ever, tight end Brock Bowers. He would be the highest quarterback taken by the Raiders since JaMarcus Russell, but his situation with the Raiders would be solid. He would have both Bowers and Davante Adams to throw to along with a running game led by former Bulldog Zamir White and a coach that led the Raiders to a 5-4 record as an interim.

Brett Patzke-USA TODAY Sports

Malaki Starks: 23rd, Dallas Cowboys

Starks is the No. 1 safety prospect according to CBS. He’d find himself in a decent landing spot with Dallas. They have a few safeties that are solid, but Starks would be an upgrade.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jalon Walker: 24th, Green Bay Packers

The Packers already have a bunch of Georgia Bulldogs on their roster, all on the defense. Walker would join linebacker Quay Walker in the linebacker corps, and Green Bay could use more of Georgia’s national championship experience.

Saints pick a pass rusher in final preseason 2025 mock draft

The New Orleans Saints could be looking for defensive line help again next season. Saints draft Mykel Williams in B/R 2025 mock draft

The New Orleans Saints open their season against the Carolina Panthers in just a matter of days. Before we completely focus on the upcoming year, let’s take one last look at a 2025 mock draft.

Bleacher Report’s scouting department projected the Saints will end with the 10th overall pick in next year’s draft and draft Georgia’s Mykel Williams, one of the most exciting pass rushers in this draft class.

The position is completely feasible. Chase Young will likely leave after the season. Carl Granderson is the team’s lead pass rusher. Instead of looking for Cameron Jordan’s running mate, they would be looking for his replacement. A major turn of events

There are two points in their explanation that are off-putting specifically in regards to selecting Williams.

“Williams is more of a traits prospect who has impressive strength at the point of attack to collapse the pocket as a pass-rusher than he is a finished product. But he’d be a good addition for the future of New Orleans’ defense,” wrote B/R’s Matt Holder.

The Saints don’t need that type of player in the top-10. New Orleans has had their struggles defending the run, but that area of the draft is meant for pass rushers. That’s what the Saints would need draft an impact rusher in this portion.

Been there, done that. If Williams can return from injury to have a productive season rushing the passer then this conversation changes. For now, the description provided doesn’t feel like the best pick for the Saints with the tenth overall selection.

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Kirby Smart updates the status of All-American Georgia LB

UGA football All-American linebacker Mykel Williams left the Clemson Tigers game after sustaining an ankle injury

Georgia Bulldogs All-American linebacker Mykel Williams left the Clemson game after sustaining an ankle injury in the second half. Williams is ranked as one of the top pass rushers in the 2025 NFL draft.

Williams, who recorded two tackles for a loss against Clemson, is considered questionable for Georgia’s Week 2 game against Tennessee Tech. Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart updated Williams’ status ahead of Georgia’s season opener.

“Ankle sprain, it is a grade two, but it is stable,” said Smart. Georgia is expected to play outside linebacker Jalon Walker more snaps with Williams limited. Walker recorded 1.5 sacks and six tackles in Georgia’s 34-3 win over Clemson.

Georgia could also play outside linebackers Damon Wilson, Chaz Chambliss, Gabe Harris, and Samuel M’Pemba more snaps against Tennessee Tech.

Mykel Williams recorded 3.5 sacks and 12 total tackles during the 2023 college football season.