The San Francisco 49ers didn’t draft Mykel Williams 11th overall for him to sit on the bench, but will he be ready to start right out of the gate?
Some analysts certainly think so.
The former Georgia star should be pushing for a starting role, potentially overtaking veteran Bryce Huff for the job opposite Nick Bosa. While Huff has a strong connection with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh from their time together in New York with the Jets, Williams brings a rare blend of size, speed and versatility that could force San Francisco’s hand sooner rather than later.
The folks at ESPN have Williams starting over Huff in their July 21st 53-man roster projection, and barring a setback in training camp, they’re probably right. Let’s duscuss.
Williams Was a Beast at Georgia
Williams had a standout college career at Georgia that thrust him into national conversations about being the best pass rusher available in the draft not named Abdul Carter.
As a true freshman in 2022, Williams earned a spot in the Bulldogs’ rotation, finishing with 28 tackles (seven for loss) and 4.5 sacks in 15 games, while also leading the team with 31 QB hurries. He was named to PFF’s True Freshman All-America team that year.
In his sophomore (2023) and junior (2024) seasons, Williams continued to consistently produce, even amid some injury setbacks. In 2023, he recorded another 4.5 sacks and seven TFLs, earning second-team All-SEC honors. The following year, despite battling an ankle sprain that limited him to around 60% strength, he still amassed 5.0 sacks, nine TFLs, 21 tackles, two forced fumbles and two pass deflections in 12 games—enough to garner second-team All-SEC honors once more.
Over his three seasons at Georgia, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound Williams appeared in 40 games with 14 total sacks and three forced fumbles. He distinguished himself not solely through stats, but through elite traits: a powerful burst, a relentless motor and ideal size/speed.
Why Mykel Williams May Start at DE Over Bryce Huff
Williams’s versatility is appealing. He has the ability to play inside on passing downs, complementing Bosa’s outside skill set. He could potentially force Huff into a more limited role.
Huff, 27, headed to San Francisco via a trade after the Niners sent a conditional fifth-round pick (that could become a fourth-rounder) to the Philadelphia Eagles. He previously shined under Saleh in New York, tallying a career-high 10.0 sacks in 2023.
Will Williams beat out Huff for the starting job? It wouldn’t be surprising, given the context. The 49ers drafted Williams to be a starter, valuing his upside and interior versatility. Many view him a dark horse candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year, and he could absolutely thrive alongside Bosa.
Huff should be a high-impact rotational piece, but he’s not really an every-down type. His primary value has been his pass-rush prowess in sub-packages. When he had his 10-sack season in 2023, he did it playing 42% of the Jets’ defensive snaps.
Given Saleh’s preferences and Williams’s rookie-first pecking order, it seems reasonable—though not shocking—for Williams to win the job opposite Bosa. While Huff brings experience and a trusted relationship with Saleh, the ceiling and schematic fit point toward Williams becoming the Week 1 starter.
