The San Francisco 49ers have officially signed their first-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, defensive end (DE) Mykel Williams, to a fully guaranteed $24.9 million contract, including a $14.75 million signing bonus. The young talent from the University of Georgia is generating buzz with his explosive potential in the NFL. Here are five shocking facts about Mykel Williams that fans need to know!
1. A Young Superstar with Elite Potential
Mykel Williams was just 20 years old when the 49ers selected him 11th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite his youth, he’s already considered one of the top edge rushers in his draft class. Standing at 6’5” (1.96m) and weighing 260 pounds (118kg), Williams’ ideal frame combined with his explosive speed has drawn comparisons to Buffalo Bills star Gregory Rousseau. Experts predict he has the potential to become one of the NFL’s premier defensive ends in the near future.
2. Played Through a Serious Injury
One of the most remarkable stories about Williams is his relentless determination. During the 2024 season at Georgia, he suffered a severe ankle injury in the opening game but continued to play through significant pain, missing only two games. “I played the whole season in a lot of pain,” Williams shared, “but now I’m fully healthy and ready to explode.” This resilience impressed the 49ers’ coaching staff, who see him as a perfect fit for the team’s culture.
3. Scouted by the 49ers for Over a Year
The decision to draft Williams wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment choice. The 49ers’ personnel executives, including Tariq Ahmad, RJ Gillen, and Josh Williams, had been tracking him since the summer of 2023, well before his injury. They were particularly struck by his tireless work ethic and ability to perform despite pain. “I fell in love with the way he played last summer,” Ahmad said. “Even when injured, he kept grinding.” This shows how highly the 49ers valued Williams from the start.
4. Prioritizes Super Bowl Over Money
In an interview on The Danza Project, when asked whether he’d choose a $150–200 million contract or a $60 million deal with a Super Bowl ring, Williams didn’t hesitate to pick the ring. “The ring is legacy. It determines whether you make the Hall of Fame,” he said. This statement highlights his hunger for victory and team-first mentality, qualities that 49ers fans are sure to admire.
5. Compared to Travon Walker but Rated Higher
Williams is often compared to his former Georgia teammate Travon Walker, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, some NFL scouts believe Williams has even greater potential. One scout remarked, “I think he’s better than Travon Walker. If not for the injury, he could’ve competed for the No. 1 spot in this draft.” With his versatility to play both outside and inside on the defensive line, Williams is expected to make an immediate impact in San Francisco.
Conclusion
Mykel Williams is not just a young talent with elite physical tools and skills but also a warrior with a relentless spirit and a burning desire to win. With a four-year, nearly $25 million contract and a fifth-year option in 2028, the 49ers are banking on him to bolster their defensive front. Can Williams become the NFL’s next big star and help the 49ers capture a Super Bowl? Stay tuned for his performance in the 2025 season!