Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders
Mykel Williams, DE
School: Georgia | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Junior | Age: 20
Height / Weight: 6’5” / 260 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 1st-2nd Round
Player Comparison: Greg Rousseau
College Statistics
| Tackles | Def Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Comb | TFL | Sk | Int | Yds | IntTD | PD | FR | Yds | FRTD | FF | Awards |
| 2022* | Georgia | SEC | FR | DL | 15 | 15 | 13 | 28 | 7 | 4.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2023* | Georgia | SEC | SO | DL | 13 | 11 | 7 | 18 | 7 | 4.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2024 | Georgia | SEC | SR | DL | 12 | 15 | 6 | 21 | 9 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| Career | 40 | 41 | 26 | 67 | 23 | 14.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 3 | |||||
Player Overview
Mykel Williams didn’t have too far to go for college. The Columbus, Georgia, native was a standout high school player, putting together back-to-back seasons with double-digit sacks and tackles for a loss. This earned him four- and five-star grades from recruiting services and a lot of attention from schools. He rejected offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Clemson and many others to stay in-state and play for Georgia.
Williams first season for the Bulldogs was impactful. He started just two of Georgia’s 15 games, but he led the team in QB hurries with 31. This, along with 4.5 sacks and 28 tackles, led to Williams getting Freshman All-American recognition. Williams’ production dipped a bit the following year, but he still led the team in sacks. In the first game of his final season, Williams suffered an Grade 2 ankle sprain. Over the next several games, he played limited snaps. He was still able to be second on the team with five sacks, getting two of those in Georgia’s win over Texas in the SEC Championship game.
Strengths
- Ideal size for 4-3 defensive end
- Strong enough to hold the point of attack and shed blockers in the run game
- Flashes good hand swipes to win around the edge
- Length and power allows him to walk back blockers
- Great motor, consistently fighting to get to the ball
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent get-off at the snap
- Limited pass rush moves and ability to string them together
- Lack of bend around edge allows blockers to recover
- Pad level is inconsistent; can be too upright in his rush
Let’s See His Work
#Georgia edge Mykel Williams, a likely Top 10 pick who thrived despite dealing with an ankle injury that he aggravated in the Sugar Bowl, told reporters today that he played at 60% this year.
He took a few weeks off so the ankle could heal and will work out at his Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/KCMvJOmYor
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2025
All Edge rushers in this class (including Campbell and Walker) pass rush win rates against true pass sets. pic.twitter.com/Fgyus1o3JD
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) March 19, 2025
EDGE: Pass Rush Win Rate vs Run Stop Rate
Josaiah Stewart is putting up insane numbers.
he’s making an impact in the run game too.Mykel Williams and Shemar Stewart might be a bit of a concern.@mliteplz, your guy David Walker is definitely worth watching!! https://t.co/D1a35AVYzv pic.twitter.com/GDow5aDR4p
— oollie (@BA2kLEY) March 21, 2025
Georgia edge Mykel Williams, a projected top 10-15 pick in the draft, was timed by many in the low 4.7s in his 40 today and as fast as 4.68.
@TaylorBisciotti pic.twitter.com/udBpnCaJdN
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2025
How He Fits on the Commanders
The most productive player off the edge last season for the Commanders now plays for the archrival Cowboys. Despite Dante Fowler, Jr.’s departure, the team still has Dorance Armstrong and re-signed Clelin Ferrell. Jacob Martin and Dietrich Wise, Jr. were also brought in, but these signings should not stop the team from looking to the draft for improving the position.
Mykel Williams would help improve the Commanders’ run defense. His length, strength, and motor help him excel in this part of his game. These attributes should translate to a solid pass rusher, but the pass rushing is a work in progress. He is very young and has flashed potential in this area. If the Commanders can wait on his development, they could land a three-down defensive end that has flashed dominant potential. At worst, Williams would be a run-stopping defensive end with limited pass rush potential. But, is that worth the 29th overall pick?