Mykel Williams of the Georgia Bulldogs is selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the most recent NFL mock draft.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, college football players across the country are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to showcase their talents on the grandest stage. Among those in the spotlight is Mykel Williams, a standout defensive lineman for the Georgia Bulldogs, who has steadily risen through the ranks and is now being projected as a top pick in the upcoming draft. In the latest NFL mock draft, Williams is selected by the Atlanta Falcons, a move that has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.

Georgia football has long been known for producing elite talent, and Mykel Williams is a prime example of the program’s ability to develop future stars. Over the course of his career with the Bulldogs, Williams has earned widespread recognition for his powerful presence on the defensive line, impressive versatility, and his relentless motor. His selection by the Atlanta Falcons in this mock draft is seen as a perfect match for both Williams’ skill set and the Falcons’ defensive needs.

This article takes an in-depth look at Mykel Williams’ college career, his potential at the next level, the Atlanta Falcons’ selection of the rising star, and what this move could mean for both parties moving forward.

Mykel Williams’ College Career at Georgia

Mykel Williams arrived at the University of Georgia as one of the top recruits in the nation, quickly making a name for himself with his imposing size and athleticism. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 290 pounds, Williams combines strength, agility, and quickness that are rare for a player of his size. Throughout his time with the Bulldogs, Williams has demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the country.

During his freshman year, Williams wasted no time in making an impact. As a first-year player, he showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, registering multiple sacks and tackles for loss. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the starting lineup, and he only continued to improve as his career progressed. As a sophomore, Williams’ consistency and ability to dominate up front became evident. He emerged as one of the top defensive linemen in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), frequently making plays behind the line of scrimmage and contributing to Georgia’s staunch defense.

One of the standout aspects of Williams’ game is his versatility. He can line up at multiple positions along the defensive line, whether as a traditional defensive end or as an interior rusher, and still produce at a high level. His ability to rush the passer from the edge or the interior makes him a difficult matchup for offensive linemen, and he has the tools to be an immediate contributor at the next level.

In his final season with Georgia, Williams solidified his status as one of the top defensive prospects in the country. He was a key factor in the Bulldogs’ success on defense, contributing to their run as one of the most feared defensive units in college football. With a combination of size, speed, strength, and technique, Williams consistently caused havoc in opposing backfields, proving to be a force against both the run and the pass.

The Atlanta Falcons’ Defense and Mykel Williams’ Fit

The Atlanta Falcons have been in rebuilding mode for the past few seasons, and while they’ve made significant strides on both sides of the ball, one area that has remained a focal point for improvement is their defense. Despite showing flashes of promise, the Falcons’ defensive line has often struggled to consistently generate pressure on the quarterback and stop the run. With this in mind, selecting a player like Mykel Williams could have a transformative impact on their defense for years to come.

Under head coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons have focused on building a balanced team, and improving their defense has been a priority. While the Falcons’ secondary has shown improvement with the addition of key players, their defensive line remains an area where further development is needed. Williams, with his size and pass-rushing ability, would be a key asset in helping the Falcons bolster their defensive front.

Williams’ versatility fits perfectly into the Falcons’ scheme, which values defensive linemen who can rush from multiple positions and create chaos in the backfield. Whether lining up as a traditional 4-3 defensive end or kicking inside to play defensive tackle in passing situations, Williams has the flexibility to play in a variety of defensive alignments. His combination of power and speed allows him to beat offensive linemen with a variety of pass-rushing moves, and his ability to disengage from blockers makes him a valuable weapon in both the pass rush and against the run.

Another aspect of Williams’ game that fits well with the Falcons’ needs is his football IQ. Williams has shown throughout his college career that he understands the intricacies of defensive schemes and is capable of making adjustments on the fly. His awareness and ability to read the quarterback’s movements give him an edge when rushing the passer, while his quick reactions help him diagnose plays and make stops in the run game.

The Falcons’ defense has been inconsistent in recent seasons, and adding a player of Williams’ caliber could be the missing piece that helps transform their unit into a more formidable force. His ability to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm, clog running lanes, and contribute to both base and sub-packages gives the Falcons the kind of defensive lineman they need to complement their secondary and linebacker corps. Williams could be the foundational piece that helps the Falcons build a more aggressive and impactful defense moving forward.

What Mykel Williams Brings to the NFL

In terms of his transition to the NFL, Mykel Williams is well-equipped to make an immediate impact. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him an ideal candidate to contribute right away in the NFL. His explosive first step and ability to generate power off the line make him a dangerous pass rusher, and he has the motor to keep pursuing plays until the whistle blows.

One of the things that stands out most about Williams is his relentless work ethic. He consistently plays with intensity and urgency, never taking a play off. His ability to maintain pressure on the quarterback and disrupt offensive plays is one of the reasons why he is such an intriguing prospect. At the NFL level, where the competition is fierce and every play matters, Williams’ motor and determination will serve him well.

His versatility as a defensive lineman is also something that will translate well to the NFL. While he has primarily been used as a defensive end at Georgia, his size and skill set make him a candidate to play multiple positions along the defensive line. His ability to line up at defensive tackle in passing situations gives him added value, especially in nickel or dime packages where creating pressure is crucial to success.

Additionally, Williams has shown a keen understanding of defensive schemes and is adept at reading offensive linemen and quarterbacks. His football IQ, combined with his natural athletic ability, makes him a well-rounded player who can thrive in a variety of situations. His versatility and high football IQ are traits that NFL teams covet, and Williams is well-positioned to thrive in a defense that values these qualities.

Why the Atlanta Falcons Would Make the Right Choice

For the Atlanta Falcons, selecting Mykel Williams in the 2025 NFL Draft would be a step toward solidifying their defensive future. With a clear need for a dynamic pass rusher and a disruptive force along the defensive line, Williams fits the bill perfectly. His ability to contribute immediately and his potential to develop into an elite defender makes him an ideal target for the Falcons, who are looking to build a more balanced and competitive team.

Williams is the type of player who can be a cornerstone of a defense for years to come. His leadership, work ethic, and relentless drive would make him a fan favorite in Atlanta, and his ability to impact the game in various ways would give the Falcons the kind of player they need to compete at the highest level. Whether it’s generating pressure on the quarterback, clogging running lanes, or simply being a disruptive force on the defensive line, Williams’ skill set would be a tremendous asset for the Falcons as they continue to rebuild and reshape their defense.