Bulldogs of Georgia It is not anticipated that Mykel Williams will work out at the 2025 NFL Combine.

The NFL Combine is one of the most significant events in the build-up to the NFL Draft, providing top draft prospects with a unique opportunity to showcase their skills, athleticism, and readiness for the next level. For many players, the Combine is a pivotal moment in their careers, offering a platform to make a lasting impression on scouts, coaches, and general managers. It is a place where physical measurements, drills, and interviews are all taken into account to assess a player’s potential.

However, not all draft-eligible prospects participate in the NFL Combine. Some opt to skip it, either for personal reasons, injury recovery, or because they feel that their tape and college performances speak for themselves. Mykel Williams, a standout defensive end from the University of Georgia, is one such player who has decided not to take part in the 2025 NFL Combine. Despite the absence of a formal Combine appearance, Williams remains one of the top defensive prospects in the upcoming draft class, and this decision will not overshadow his potential.

Mykel Williams: A Snapshot of His College Career

Before diving into the reasons behind Williams’ decision to skip the Combine, it’s important to understand why he’s considered one of the top defensive prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Williams has been an integral part of Georgia’s defense, which has been one of the most dominant units in college football over the last several seasons.

A former five-star recruit from Columbus, Georgia, Williams came to Georgia with high expectations. Known for his combination of size, speed, and athleticism, Williams quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. Over his three years with the Bulldogs, he became known for his ability to disrupt plays both as a pass rusher and a run stopper. His combination of length, power, and quickness made him an ideal edge rusher, and he developed into a player who could wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

Williams’ impact on the field was evident from the moment he stepped on the field for Georgia. Throughout his time in Athens, Williams accumulated impressive statistics, including a high number of sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback pressures. His presence on the edge of Georgia’s defense was one of the driving forces behind their success, and he played a crucial role in helping them win multiple SEC championships and a national title during his time with the Bulldogs.

Why Mykel Williams Is Skipping the 2025 NFL Combine

Despite the inherent value of the NFL Combine, Williams has made the decision not to participate. While the Combine is a platform for many to boost their draft stock, Williams likely feels confident in his abilities and his standing in the draft without needing to take part in the event. There are a few key reasons why this decision might have been made.

1. Trust in His College Tape

One of the primary reasons Williams might be skipping the Combine is his confidence in his college tape. Over the course of his career at Georgia, Williams put together a body of work that speaks for itself. NFL scouts and general managers are already well aware of his abilities after watching him dominate in the SEC, arguably the most competitive conference in college football.

Williams has faced off against some of the best offensive linemen in the country, and his ability to make plays in high-stakes games, including those in the College Football Playoff, has only further solidified his standing as a top defensive prospect. While the Combine offers the opportunity to test a player’s athleticism in a controlled environment, Williams might feel that his game tape is enough to demonstrate his abilities and that he does not need to prove himself in drills.

2. Injury Recovery or Preventative Measures

Another possible reason Williams is skipping the Combine could be related to injury recovery or the desire to avoid putting any additional strain on his body. College football is a physically demanding sport, and players often deal with injuries throughout their careers. Although there is no specific injury tied to Williams at the moment, many players choose to skip the Combine in order to recover from nagging injuries and ensure that they are in peak condition for their professional careers.

Additionally, some players may choose to skip the Combine to avoid unnecessary risk. Participating in drills like the 40-yard dash or shuttle runs can lead to potential injuries, especially for players who are already recovering from prior injuries or are focused on preparing for the NFL Draft. By opting out of the Combine, Williams can focus on recovery and work with personal trainers to ensure that he’s ready for individual workouts and his pro day.

3. Confidence in Other Showcases and Pro Day

For players like Williams, skipping the Combine doesn’t necessarily hurt their draft stock. Instead, they can focus on more private and personalized workouts that provide an opportunity to showcase their skills to NFL teams in a more controlled setting. Many high-profile prospects skip the Combine to focus on their Pro Day, where teams are invited to visit a player’s campus and watch them perform in drills, agility tests, and positional workouts.

Williams likely has a strong rapport with NFL scouts and general managers after his standout college career, and the Pro Day offers a chance for teams to see him in a more familiar setting. In contrast to the Combine, where players perform in front of hundreds of scouts and media, the Pro Day is a more intimate affair that allows Williams to show off his skills without the distractions of a larger event.

Moreover, for Williams, it may be a more comfortable environment. The Pro Day is conducted with his personal trainers and coaching staff, who are already familiar with his strengths and weaknesses. This setting provides him with the chance to demonstrate his physical skills while also benefiting from a more familiar and supportive atmosphere. By choosing to focus on his Pro Day, Williams can tailor his preparation to best highlight his talents and ensure that he’s in top shape when teams begin making their final evaluations.

4. Leveraging Existing Draft Hype

At this point, Williams is already considered one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His performance on the field has already garnered significant attention from NFL scouts, and his potential as an edge rusher is well-known. The combination of his size (6-foot-5, 275 pounds) and explosiveness makes him an ideal candidate for an outside linebacker or defensive end role at the next level.

Skipping the Combine allows Williams to avoid unnecessary pressure and focus on maximizing his strengths in workouts and private team visits. The decision to skip the Combine is likely rooted in the fact that he feels confident in his already-established draft position. Williams has already proven that he has the skills necessary to excel at the NFL level, and at this stage, it may be more beneficial for him to focus on preparing for the next stage of his career rather than subjecting himself to an event that may not add much to his draft profile.

The Impact of Skipping the Combine on Williams’ Draft Stock

While skipping the NFL Combine is a somewhat unconventional move, it is unlikely to significantly affect Williams’ draft stock. Teams have extensive resources at their disposal to evaluate prospects, including game tape, private workouts, and interviews. For a player like Williams, who has already impressed with his on-field production at Georgia, it’s not unusual for scouts to prioritize his college performance over a few drills at the Combine.

In fact, many teams may appreciate Williams’ decision to focus on his health, recovery, and preparation for private team workouts, rather than putting himself through the stress of performing at the Combine. This decision may even reinforce his maturity and understanding of the draft process. Williams has already proven his value on the field, and NFL teams will be more focused on his fit within their systems and his ability to make an immediate impact in their defense.

What’s Next for Mykel Williams: Preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft

With the NFL Draft approaching, Williams will focus his efforts on private workouts, preparing for his Pro Day, and continuing to train with specialized coaches to sharpen his skills. The next few months will be critical in determining his final draft position, and the work he puts in during this time will be crucial in securing his future in the NFL.

Additionally, as the draft process continues, Williams will have the opportunity to meet with NFL teams, answer questions about his college experience, and showcase his football IQ and leadership qualities. These interactions will play a significant role in how teams evaluate his readiness for the next level.

As the NFL Draft draws near, Mykel Williams remains one of the top defensive prospects in the class. His decision to skip the 2025 NFL Combine is unlikely to diminish his value, and his impressive college career and potential at the next level make him a player to watch in the months leading up to the draft.