49ers' First-Round Pick Has 'Potential to Disappoint'
49ers' First-Round Pick Has 'Potential to Disappoint' originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The San Francisco 49ers selected Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams with the 11th pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but some are already doubting the rookie.
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In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski, he lists six first-round draft picks that have the "potential to disappoint" in their first season in the leagued one of the players he mentions is the former Georgia Bulldog.
"The opportunity to play opposite Nick Bosa certainly helps," Sobleski wrote. "Williams can be an excellent run defender at the onset of his professional career. But the 20-year-old will need time to hone his craft for a year or two before he becomes the pass-rusher that San Francisco hopes he can be."
Williams switched from an interior defender to being an edge rusher, so his ability to get to the quarterback is not exactly up to the NFL level yet. But he can do other things very well, which is why the team picked him in the first round.
While he tallied just five sacks in his final season at Georgia, he was able to wrap up other ball carriers in the backfield with nine total tackles for loss. He was also able to tally 21 total tackles, deflect a few passes at the line of scrimmage, and force two fumbles.
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While his edge-rushing ability might not be as good as it could be entering the league, having a superstar like Nick Bosa mentoring him could give Williams a but of an edge heading into his rookie season.
Related: 49ers Urged to Sign $19 Million Super Bowl-Champion Gamble
Related: George Kittle Gets Brutally Honest About Retirement Plans
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
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