Possible destinations for Georgia standout Mykel Williams in the event that he is selected in the NFL Draft.

Mykel Williams, the defensive standout from the University of Georgia, has made a significant impact on the field, emerging as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his explosive athleticism, versatility, and high football IQ, Williams is poised to be a high selection in the upcoming draft, and as such, his potential landing spots are numerous. Teams in need of an impact edge rusher or defensive line talent will be eager to add Williams to their roster.

At Georgia, Williams showcased a rare combination of size, speed, and power that makes him an appealing prospect for NFL teams looking to fortify their defensive lines. His ability to rush the passer, set the edge against the run, and contribute in various defensive schemes has drawn significant attention. So, what are some of the potential destinations for Williams, and how might he fit into these teams?

1. Atlanta Falcons: A Local Fit with Immediate Impact

One of the most logical destinations for Mykel Williams is the Atlanta Falcons. Based in Georgia, the Falcons would have a front-row seat to Williams’ collegiate career and could capitalize on his local connection. Atlanta has made significant strides in recent years to bolster their defense, but their pass rush has remained a vulnerability. Despite the presence of talented players like Grady Jarrett and Arnold Ebiketie, the Falcons still lack a consistent edge rusher capable of disrupting quarterbacks.

Williams would immediately address this need. As an edge rusher, his ability to bend around the corner and create pressure on the quarterback would complement Jarrett’s inside rush. Williams’ high motor and versatile skill set would also allow him to be utilized in multiple defensive fronts, whether it’s a 3-4 or 4-3 alignment, giving defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen flexibility in his schemes.

The Falcons’ need for a pass rusher has been well-documented, and selecting a player like Williams would help solidify their defensive front, making it a more complete unit capable of competing in a competitive NFC South. As a local product, Williams would also have a high profile in his home state, making it a win-win situation for both parties.

2. Chicago Bears: A Growing Defense with Room for Development

The Chicago Bears have been in a phase of rebuilding, especially when it comes to their defense. While they’ve made significant strides in recent seasons, their edge rusher position remains a point of weakness. The Bears already boast strong defensive players, including linebackers Roquan Smith and T.J. Edwards, but their lack of a dominant pass rusher off the edge has hindered their ability to apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Mykel Williams could be an excellent fit for the Bears, especially considering their defensive needs. As a strong, explosive edge rusher, Williams would add a dynamic element to Chicago’s pass rush. His ability to play in both a 3-4 and 4-3 scheme, combined with his physical traits and motor, would give the Bears’ defense a new level of versatility. Playing alongside interior defenders like Justin Jones and defensive end Trevis Gipson, Williams could develop into the kind of disruptive force that Chicago has lacked in recent seasons.

While the Bears are in the midst of a rebuild, their defense is one of the areas that could see rapid improvement with the addition of an impact player like Williams. His development under head coach Matt Eberflus could lead to him becoming a cornerstone piece of the Bears’ defense for years to come.

3. Detroit Lions: A Rising Contender with Defensive Needs

The Detroit Lions have made notable strides in recent seasons, and their offense—led by quarterback Jared Goff and running back David Montgomery—has shown considerable promise. However, their defense remains the biggest area of concern. The Lions have worked to improve their defensive line, but they still lack a true game-changing edge rusher who can consistently disrupt the opposing quarterback.

Enter Mykel Williams. His addition to the Lions’ defense would be an immediate upgrade. Williams’ combination of size, speed, and athleticism would give the Lions a versatile edge rusher who can both rush the passer and set the edge in the run game. His ability to get after quarterbacks would be crucial for a Lions team that has struggled to generate pressure on opposing passers.

Under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the Lions would likely look to incorporate Williams into a defensive scheme that focuses on pressure and turnovers. Williams’ ability to line up in different spots along the defensive front would give Glenn plenty of flexibility to mix up his defensive schemes. Adding a dynamic player like Williams could be just the piece the Lions need to take their defense from average to elite, making them a more balanced team as they look to contend in the NFC North.

4. New York Giants: A Defensive Rebuild with High Expectations

The New York Giants have been in the process of rebuilding their defense, and in recent seasons, they’ve made major strides with players like Leonard Williams, Dexter Lawrence, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, their pass rush still lacks consistency, and adding a player like Mykel Williams could give them the extra boost they need to elevate their defense to the next level.

Williams would be a natural fit in New York’s defensive front. The Giants run a hybrid defense that utilizes both 3-4 and 4-3 alignments, and Williams’ versatility would allow them to move him around to exploit mismatches against opposing offensive linemen. As a player who can set the edge and rush the passer, Williams would complement Thibodeaux, who has shown flashes of greatness but could benefit from a more consistent pass rush on the other side.

The Giants are in a competitive NFC East division, and to compete with teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, they will need to continue building a strong, disruptive defense. Williams’ addition would not only help them get after the quarterback more effectively but also help them stay in the upper echelon of the NFC defenses.

5. Las Vegas Raiders: A Defense in Need of Youth and Energy

The Las Vegas Raiders are another team in the market for a dynamic pass rusher, and Mykel Williams could be just the player they need to inject youth and energy into their defensive line. With veterans like Maxx Crosby anchoring the defense, the Raiders have a strong pass rusher but are in need of more support on the edge.

Adding Williams would give the Raiders a long-term answer opposite Crosby, forming a formidable pass-rushing duo that could rival some of the best in the league. His ability to rush the passer and his motor would fit well with the Raiders’ defensive philosophy, which focuses on applying pressure from all areas of the field. Williams’ versatility would allow defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to mix up his defensive schemes, making it harder for opposing offensive lines to predict where the pressure will come from.

The Raiders are in a position where they need to improve their defense if they hope to contend in the AFC West, which features high-powered offenses from teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers. Adding a young, dynamic player like Williams would give them the tools they need to remain competitive in the division and start building a more complete team.

6. Seattle Seahawks: A Defense in Transition

The Seattle Seahawks are in the midst of a defensive transition, as they look to move on from some of their aging veterans and rebuild their defense around younger, more explosive players. While the Seahawks have had success with defensive linemen like Jarran Reed and Al Woods, they still lack a true game-changer on the edge.

Williams could be a perfect fit for the Seahawks’ defense, which traditionally runs a 4-3 scheme. His ability to rush the passer, set the edge against the run, and contribute as an all-around defensive force would be a valuable asset in Seattle’s defensive system. With head coach Pete Carroll’s emphasis on strong defensive play, Williams could develop into a key player for the Seahawks in the coming years.

As the Seahawks look to return to playoff contention, adding a player like Williams could be a crucial step in rebuilding a defense that can compete with the high-powered offenses in the NFC West.

7. Philadelphia Eagles: Adding Depth to an Already Fearsome Defense

The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL, boasting an elite offensive line, a dynamic offense led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, and one of the best defenses in the league. However, the Eagles are always looking to add talent and depth to their roster, and Mykel Williams could be the perfect addition to their already formidable defensive line.

With players like Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and Javon Hargrave anchoring the defensive line, the Eagles are known for their ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks. Adding Williams would provide even more rotational depth, allowing the Eagles to keep their defensive linemen fresh while continuing to apply pressure throughout the game. His ability to play in multiple defensive alignments would give the Eagles even more flexibility in their defensive schemes.

Williams would have the opportunity to learn from some of the best defensive linemen in the league and potentially develop into a key contributor in a defense that already ranks among the league’s best. The Eagles are in a position to compete for championships, and Williams could be a crucial piece in helping them achieve that goal.