Mykel Williams — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Williams could become one of the steals of this draft in time, and the Bengals clearly need more pass-rushing juice. Injuries limited his snaps as a junior at Georgia, but Williams' strength, length and hustle to the ball give him a chance to contribute as a rookie before developing into a very good starter down the line.

Cam Jordan isn't getting any younger and the Saints could use help in their pass rush. Mykel Williams hasn't had the production you'd expect given his ability, but his size and athleticism are what you're buying into here.

The Colts drafted Laiatu Latu in the first round last year, but they still could stand to add another player off the edge. Williams is more of a power player than a finesse rusher, but he would be a great addition to a Colts defense that lost edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo to the Bears in free agency this year.

After considering offers from the Steelers for George Pickens and Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Panthers stay put and are the first team to draft a Georgia defender (in part because the Eagles aren't picking until 32). Using a top-10 pick on a player with minimal production in college is a risk, no matter Williams' physical gifts (which are many). But the Panthers are banking on big upside from one of the youngest players in the draft – one whose final season at Georgia was slowed by a high ankle sprain. Williams' best games came against top competition: He had two sacks in a victory over then-No. 1 Texas, two more sacks in the SEC Championship triumph over Texas and three pressures in an opening-week win versus Clemson when he initially hurt his ankle. — Joseph Person

Williams is another player with a wide range of potential destinations. The production has trailed the athleticism, but there's a ton of upside here.

There isn't a trophy given for winning the offseason, but if there was, GM Ryan Poles and the Bears might be the champs. He lured Ben Johnson from their division rival Detroit Lions to serve as head coach and nabbed several new starters along the line of scrimmage in trades and free agency. As such, the Bears could go in virtually any direction at No. 10 overall. Why not gamble on a three-time All-SEC selection with more tools than the local Home Depot?

Williams has the measureables and movement skills to eventually form into a quality edge rusher, which is precisely what the Falcons need.

Williams had an incredible pro day at Georgia, running a 4.73 in the 40 at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds. The only reason why he didn't have a better year in 2024 was due to a nagging ankle injury. I think he could've had a huge year. That Saints defense needs some help, finishing 30th in yards allowed. Williams would give them a much-needed playmaker.

I've gone offensive line for the Bears in both of my previous mock drafts, but that box was checked in free agency. Chicago traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson then signed center Drew Dalman. And while the Bears also added Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett on the defensive front, they could still use someone like Williams coming off the edge. They ranked in the middle of the pack last season in sacks (40) but were 24th in pass rush win rate (36.5%).

Williams is a toolsy prospect who can beat blockers with his speed or power. He missed time with an ankle injury early last season but still picked up five sacks. Given a little more time to develop, he could be a really solid NFL edge rusher.

Mykel Williams just feels like a Bengals edge rusher: oversized, yet unpolished. Sometimes those turn into Carlos Dunlap or Michael Johnson. Other times they're Margus Hunt or Myles Murphy. I'd bet on Williams being closer to the former.

Green Bay made a big bet by drafting Lukas Van Ness in the first round a few years back. It hasn't paid big yet, which leaves the door open for more pass rush help to enter the fray.

Williams has elite length and good power. Plus, he comes with a more extensive resume than Van Ness did leaving Iowa.