Mykel Williams: NFL Poster Child Looks To Ascend
How high can he go? Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams is considered to be a top five talent in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
COMBINE Q&A: MYKEL WILLIAMS, ER, GEORGIA
The University of Georgia will conduct it’s NFL Pro Day workout next week, as the NFL scouting world turns their attention to Mykel Williams, a potential top five overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He met with the assembled national media in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting combine to discuss an array of topics. Williams shed perspective on why he skipped combine workouts, the difference between him and Abdul Carter of Penn State, his personal frustrations with the media, latest health status and comparisons to Travon Walker. Plus, his reaction to being dubbed an ‘NFL Poster Child,’ in a podium session you don’t want to miss!
What did you learn most from your time in Georgia?
Georgia taught me how to be a pro. It taught me how to sell on and off the field.
You’ve been called the poster child for an NFL player. How does that make you feel?
I didn’t know that. That’s a blessing to be called that. That’s nice, thank you.
You have often been compared to Travon Walker (Jaguars), did you get tired of hearing that?
It’s a great comparison but I didn’t think much of it. He’s himself and I’m myself. Both of us got to go out, play and perform the same. I didn’t invest too much into it.
A lot of people talk about your hands, where does that come from?
That’s constantly work. That came from when I was a freshman and working with Chuck Smith and BT Jordan and different pass-rush coaches I worked with.
How familiar are you with Abdul Carter? How do you compare/contrast your game?
I’m familiar with Abdul. He’s a great player. A hell of a rusher and player. He’s more of a outside linebacker and I’m more of a defensive end.
What is it about Georgia high school football that produces NFL talent?
Georgia got the best ball, man. Ain’t no question. That’s why we’re here. Georgia produces the best athletes and the best football players.
Why are you opting to wait until pro day to workout, rather than at the combine?
I played injured this whole year, so coming off my ankle I decided to take the first two-three weeks to rest my ankle and try to get it back up under me. That delayed my training. I got a late jump, so that’s why I’m going to workout at pro day, instead of the combine.
How would you describe how you’re feeling health-wise?
This is the healthiest I’ve been all year.
How did your high ankle sprain impact you this past year?
It lingered the whole year. I never was healthy. I actually re-injured it multiple times throughout the year. I didn’t practice until Texas game (mid-October). I was messed up pretty bad.
You played with a bad ankle all season. What was your process?
Attending meetings and treatment, trying to rehab my ankle the whole practice. On Saturday, tape me up and I’m out there playing.
What percent do you think you were while playing?
The whole season? Less than 70 [percent]. Less than 60 [percent].
What does a 100% Mykel look like?
We’re going to see.
How frustrating was it dealing with the injury?
Extremely. Especially dealing with the media and how you guys can try to portray things, it’s extremely frustrating and you guys not knowing the full story.
What was the feedback from NFL teams when they heard you played all season with a bad ankle?
They love it. They see I got that dog in me.
What have you learned about yourself?
I have a different grit about myself that I can push through pain. No matter how I’m feeling I can still go get it done. The teams loved that I did. Most players in the position I was in, they would’ve sat and called it. They respected that about me.
Who are some players that you model your game after?
Maxx Crosby, Danielle Hunter and Cameron Jordan.
What quarterback are you looking forward to sacking? Why?
Aaron Rodgers. I personally worked with him during draft training, so it’s been fun learning from him and talking ball with him. If I sack him I’ll be able to talk a little trash to him.
DRAFT BIBLE PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: MYKEL WILLIAMS
WILLIAMS, MYKEL |Georgia | ER | #13 | Jr | 6046 | 260 | 4.55e | 1028 | 3438 | Columbus, GA
One-Liner: An explosive, athletic edge rusher who has as much upside as any player in this year’s draft and projects as a cornerstone double-digit sackmaster building block for any franchise who selects him.
Evaluation: Good luck trying to find a more explosive first step. Williams is extremely athletic when rushing the passer and many times has already beaten the offensive tackle with his explosive first step by time the ball is snapped to the quarterback. His long, flailing arms and relentless motor makes him a handful to contain. He can also stunt with the best of them due to his quickness and agility. In addition, Williams does an excellent job holding containment against the run and has demonstrated to be a solid tackler. His length and pop stand out on film and coaches have stated that he owns a prestigious work ethic. A hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, Williams has drawn comparisons to former No.1 overall pick Travon Walker (Jaguars) and for very good reason. It’s not out of the question to believe he can eventually develop into the best player from this year’s draft class.
Quotable: “Well, he has great length, great size, great athleticism. When you play on tackles, the number one requirement is arm length. Most of the tackles in our league have 35, 34-inch long arms. When you play with someone with short arms, they struggle to create an edge and set an edge. He’s able to set edges at a high level for us because he’s big enough to play it, but he’s also athletic enough to do some of the things outside backers do. So he’s cutting the cloth of what you want to play with out there on the edges.” – Georgia HC Kirby Smart On Mykel Williams
Background: Missed two games in 2024 due to a Grade 2 ankle sprain from a chop-block he sustained. A five-star recruit who was named the Maxwell Football National High School Defensive Player of the Year and made an immediate impact at Georgia as a true freshman. Majored in sports management.
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