Georgia first-round pick already earning starting reps for 49ers
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Georgia first-round pick already earning starting reps for 49ers
Former Georgia Bulldog Mykel Williams is making a name for himself in training camp. The San Francisco 49ers selected Williams with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Williams missed Tuesday’s practice with a minor ankle injury, raising concerns. He dealt with an ankle injury almost all of last season, suffering it in Georgia’s season opener against Clemson last year. He earned a Coaches’ Second-Team All-SEC selection in 2023 and 2024.
The former Georgia Bulldog was the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Williams missed Tuesday’s practice with a minor ankle injury, raising concerns due to his history of ankle problems.
Former Georgia Bulldog Mykel Williams is making a name for himself in training camp. He’s done so well that the San Francisco 49ers have already awarded him a starting job, according to ESPN.
It isn’t surprising since the 49ers selected Williams with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. In training camp, NFL teams usually try to ease along a rookie, regardless of draft selection, as they learn the system and gradually give them more reps.
However, just five days after training camp commenced, the 49ers let Williams loose on the first-team defense. Williams lined up opposite Nick Bosa in rushing situations. In pass rush situations, the 49ers moved Williams inside.
“Even if it was a discussion, it wouldn’t take long because look at him,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said. “He’s very powerful. He’s got great hands… Every day he is just going to get better and prove that he belongs.”
Williams missed Tuesday’s training camp with what was a “minor” ankle issue, according to the team. Georgia fans are hoping it’s not a harbinger of the future for Williams. He dealt with an ankle injury almost all of last season, suffering it in Georgia’s season opener against Clemson last year. After that, Williams said he never felt 100% in the 2024 season, even refraining from testing at the 2025 NFL combine due to the injury.
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This led some to question Williams’ draft selection, with Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox even calling him a bust. However, his athleticism and technique seems to be paying off already in the NFL level.
Williams totaled 67 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks in his Georgia career. He earned a Coaches’ Second-Team All-SEC selection in 2023 and 2024.