Three potential destinations for Georgia Bulldogs DE Mykel Williams in the NFL Draft
Mykel Williams, a standout defensive end for the Georgia Bulldogs, has garnered significant attention as he prepares for the upcoming NFL Draft. After an outstanding college career in Athens, Williams has solidified his status as one of the top defensive line prospects in the country. His blend of athleticism, power, and versatility has made him an ideal candidate for an NFL team looking to boost its defensive front.
Williams’s journey to becoming a potential first-round pick has been built on his exceptional performances with the Georgia Bulldogs, where he was a key contributor to one of the most dominant defenses in college football. With the Bulldogs’ national championship victory in 2022 and a continued string of elite performances, Williams has helped solidify Georgia as a defensive powerhouse. As he prepares to make the leap to the next level, the question now becomes: which NFL teams are best positioned to select him in the 2025 NFL Draft? Here are three potential destinations for Mykel Williams and an in-depth look at how his skill set fits with these teams’ needs.
1. The Philadelphia Eagles: A Perfect Fit for a Championship-Caliber Defense
Why It Makes Sense:
One of the most compelling landing spots for Mykel Williams in the NFL is the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have become one of the most successful and well-rounded teams in the NFL, especially on defense, thanks to their high-level talent acquisition and development, and they could use a player like Williams to further bolster their defensive line.
The Eagles’ defensive line is already one of the most formidable in the NFL, but adding a versatile, high-upside pass rusher like Williams would make them even more difficult to handle. Philadelphia runs a 4-3 defensive front, and Williams’s ability to rush the passer from both the edge and interior positions would make him a perfect addition to their defense. Williams’s strength, quickness, and ability to bend around the edge make him an ideal fit as a defensive end in the Eagles’ scheme.
Moreover, the Eagles have shown a preference for selecting high-caliber defensive players who can contribute immediately. With a strong defensive line that already includes standout players such as Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, and Javon Hargrave, Williams would be able to learn from established veterans while also being given opportunities to make plays early on. The Eagles’ ability to develop talent, particularly in the trenches, and their continued success in the NFC, make them an ideal team for a player like Williams to step into and contribute right away.
How Mykel Williams Fits:
Williams would thrive in the Eagles’ defensive system due to his ability to rush the passer with explosive speed and power. His strength at the point of attack and ability to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks would fit well with the Eagles’ focus on disrupting the pocket. Additionally, Williams’s ability to play multiple positions along the line would add versatility to Philadelphia’s defensive front, allowing the Eagles to use him in various packages and situations.
With the Eagles’ elite pass-rushing unit, Williams would be part of a group capable of applying constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks, helping elevate Philadelphia’s defense to even greater heights. His explosive first step and relentless motor would make him a valuable piece in both passing and running situations, further solidifying the Eagles as one of the most dangerous defenses in the league.
2. The Las Vegas Raiders: A Rebuilding Team in Need of a Difference-Maker
Why It Makes Sense:
Another intriguing potential destination for Mykel Williams is the Las Vegas Raiders. While the Raiders are still in the midst of rebuilding, they have a need for a dynamic pass rusher who can transform their defense. Over the past few seasons, the Raiders have struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and Williams would provide a significant upgrade to their defensive line.
Las Vegas runs a 4-3 defense, similar to the Eagles, and their defensive line has been an area of concern for several years. The Raiders have struggled to find consistent pass rushers to pair with Maxx Crosby, their standout edge rusher, and Williams could fill that void. By adding a young, explosive defensive end with Williams’s talent and potential, the Raiders could take a major step forward in strengthening their defensive front.
Furthermore, the Raiders are a team that has invested heavily in their defensive line in recent years, and Williams would represent the next logical step in their quest to rebuild the unit. The team has already shown a willingness to spend resources on defensive players, and selecting a player like Williams would give them the foundational talent they need to become a more formidable defense.
How Mykel Williams Fits:
Williams would be an ideal complement to Maxx Crosby on the opposite edge. Crosby has developed into one of the best edge rushers in the league, and having a young, talented player like Williams would give the Raiders a formidable tandem at defensive end. With Crosby’s ability to dominate opposing offensive tackles, Williams could take advantage of one-on-one matchups and use his explosiveness to get after the quarterback.
The Raiders’ defense would benefit from Williams’s ability to rush the passer and provide consistent pressure on quarterbacks. Additionally, Williams’s versatility to play on the interior line or as a traditional edge rusher would provide the Raiders with flexibility in their defensive scheme. His physicality and motor would make him a standout player in Las Vegas, and his upside as a young, talented rusher would be a significant asset as the Raiders continue their rebuild.
3. The Houston Texans: Building Around Young, Elite Talent
Why It Makes Sense:
A third strong landing spot for Mykel Williams is the Houston Texans. After several years of rebuilding, the Texans have positioned themselves to make a push for relevancy in the AFC, and adding a player of Williams’s caliber to their defensive line could accelerate that process. Houston’s defense has shown promise, but the team is still in need of impact players who can take the defense to the next level.
The Texans run a 3-4 defense, and while Williams is primarily known for his work as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, his versatility makes him a great fit for the Texans’ 3-4 front as well. In this defense, Williams could be deployed as a defensive end or outside linebacker, depending on the specific alignment and defensive package. His ability to adapt to various defensive schemes would make him an attractive prospect for Houston, where flexibility and adaptability are highly valued traits.
The Texans also have a relatively young defensive core that includes talented players such as Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre. Adding a player like Williams would give the Texans another foundational piece to build around on the defensive side of the ball. By selecting Williams in the draft, the Texans would be continuing their effort to rebuild their defense and solidify their place as a competitive team in the AFC.
How Mykel Williams Fits:
Williams’s ability to rush the passer would make him an immediate contributor to Houston’s defense. The Texans’ defensive scheme emphasizes applying pressure to the quarterback, and Williams’s explosiveness and strength would allow him to be a significant force in that regard. Whether as a traditional 4-3 defensive end or as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment, Williams’s versatility would be invaluable.
Additionally, the Texans could benefit from Williams’s leadership and his ability to step into a young, rebuilding team and provide a spark. His work ethic and competitive nature would be a great addition to a team that is in the process of creating a new identity. Williams’s presence on the field would immediately enhance the Texans’ ability to disrupt opposing offenses and would give them a key piece to build around for the future.
 Mykel Williams’s Potential Future in the NFL
As Mykel Williams prepares for the NFL Draft, he is widely regarded as one of the top defensive line prospects in the country. With his combination of athleticism, size, and versatility, he is a player who can thrive in a variety of defensive systems and make an immediate impact at the next level. The Philadelphia Eagles, Las Vegas Raiders, and Houston Texans represent three potential destinations where Williams could elevate the defensive line and make a substantial contribution.
Whether joining an already elite defensive front like the Eagles, helping lead a rebuilding team like the Raiders, or adding to a young core in Houston, Williams has the potential to be a difference-maker wherever he lands. With his explosive first step, ability to rush the passer, and versatility, he is a player who will undoubtedly be a key asset to whichever team selects him. As the draft approaches, teams in need of defensive talent will undoubtedly have Mykel Williams high on their list, and his future in the NFL looks incredibly bright.
