Mykel Williams of the Georgia Bulldog is selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the most recent NFL mock draft.

The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting and anticipated events in the sports world, where college football stars take their next step toward professional careers. For the University of Georgia Bulldogs, the 2024 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a highly significant one, with several players from their championship-winning team expected to be selected. Among them is Mykel Williams, a rising defensive star whose combination of talent, work ethic, and on-field versatility has caught the attention of NFL scouts and analysts alike. According to the most recent NFL mock drafts, Williams is projected to be selected by the Cincinnati Bengals, a franchise on the rise with championship aspirations of its own.

Williams, a standout defensive lineman for the Bulldogs, has been an integral part of Georgia’s defense over the past few seasons, helping lead them to multiple SEC titles and a national championship in 2022. Known for his athleticism, leadership, and relentless motor, Williams has the physical tools and the football IQ to make an immediate impact at the next level. But how exactly does he fit into the Bengals’ plans, and what can we expect from this young defensive powerhouse as he transitions to the NFL?

Mykel Williams: The Georgia Bulldog Defensive Force

Before diving into his potential fit with the Bengals, it’s important to understand who Mykel Williams is and what makes him such a highly coveted prospect. Williams played his high school football in Columbus, Georgia, where he was recognized as one of the top defensive recruits in the country. He chose to stay in-state and play for the University of Georgia, where his impact was immediate. In his freshman season in 2022, Williams was a key contributor to Georgia’s dominant defensive unit, registering impressive stats while working alongside some of the nation’s most talented defensive players.

A 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive lineman, Williams is the epitome of a modern edge rusher. His size and strength allow him to both set the edge in the running game and apply pressure to quarterbacks in passing situations. But what sets him apart is his agility and quickness for a player of his size. Williams possesses a remarkable first step, allowing him to explode off the line of scrimmage and often get a jump on opposing offensive tackles. He’s versatile enough to play both defensive tackle and defensive end, making him a valuable piece in multiple defensive schemes.

In his sophomore season (2023), Williams took his game to another level. He became one of the focal points of Georgia’s defensive line, registering sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles while continuously demanding double-teams from opposing offensive lines. Williams showcased his ability to change the game in the trenches, a skill that will undoubtedly be highly valued at the next level.

Cincinnati Bengals: A Rising Contender with Championship Ambitions

The Cincinnati Bengals are an intriguing franchise in the NFL, particularly given their resurgence in recent years. With quarterback Joe Burrow at the helm, the Bengals have gone from a team in rebuilding mode to one of the top contenders in the AFC. In 2021, they made it all the way to the Super Bowl, and in 2022, they fell just short of a trip to the big game, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship. With Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and defensive stalwarts like Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals have the talent to compete for championships in the immediate future.

However, one area where the Bengals have room for improvement is their defense. Despite having several talented defensive players, such as linebacker Logan Wilson and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, the Bengals have struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. The addition of a dynamic edge rusher like Mykel Williams could be the missing piece in their defensive puzzle.

Cincinnati has been in need of a defensive force who can consistently disrupt the quarterback and take pressure off their secondary. In 2023, the Bengals ranked 16th in the NFL in sacks with 44, which is solid but not quite elite for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Upgrading their defensive line with a versatile, athletic player like Williams could provide a much-needed boost in terms of both pass rush and run defense. His ability to line up as both an edge rusher and an interior pass rusher would give defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo the flexibility to use him in a variety of situations.

Mykel Williams’ Fit with the Bengals Defense

Williams’ potential selection by the Bengals in the 2024 NFL Draft represents a natural fit for both parties. Let’s break down the reasons why Mykel Williams could make a significant impact in Cincinnati:

1. Versatility on the Defensive Line

One of the most appealing aspects of Williams’ game is his versatility. While his most natural position is as an edge rusher, he has shown the ability to move inside on passing downs and create pressure from the interior. This versatility would be invaluable in a Bengals defense that values flexibility in its front seven. By moving Williams around the defensive line, the Bengals can create mismatches against opposing offensive linemen, potentially isolating Williams on weaker blockers or using him in stunts to confuse offensive protections.

This flexibility also allows the Bengals to employ a more aggressive pass-rush strategy, especially in key moments of the game. Whether it’s on third-and-long or in critical red-zone situations, having a player like Williams who can rush from multiple positions makes it harder for opposing offensive coordinators to scheme against him.

2. Ability to Disrupt the Quarterback

At the heart of Williams’ game is his ability to affect the quarterback. In college, he displayed a relentless pass-rush ability, registering a number of sacks and pressures during his time at Georgia. He has an explosive first step that allows him to get to the quarterback quickly, often before offensive tackles can even get their hands on him. He pairs this speed with great hand technique, able to shed blockers with ease and apply constant pressure.

In the NFL, pressuring the quarterback is crucial, and the Bengals will need to generate more of it in their pursuit of a championship. Joe Burrow is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, but even the best quarterbacks are rendered ineffective when they are under constant duress. By adding Williams to their defensive line, the Bengals could give their defense the ability to generate consistent pressure without needing to blitz as often, which would allow their secondary to perform at a higher level.

3. Run Defense and Setting the Edge

While pass rush is often the most glamorous part of a defensive lineman’s game, Williams is also an asset in the running game. His ability to set the edge and hold up against powerful offensive linemen makes him a solid choice for defending the run. With his size and strength, Williams has the ability to control the line of scrimmage, preventing running backs from getting to the outside and forcing plays back toward the middle of the field.

In 2023, Cincinnati’s defense ranked 17th in the league against the run, allowing 120.2 rushing yards per game. While they were competent against the run, Williams’ addition would help shore up that area of weakness. He has the strength to hold his ground against double teams, and his quickness allows him to pursue the ball carrier in a way that many other linemen at his size cannot. This makes him a well-rounded player capable of contributing in all phases of the game.

What Williams Can Bring to the Bengals’ Culture

The Bengals are a franchise that prides itself on building a team culture centered around hard work, toughness, and relentless competition. Mykel Williams would fit seamlessly into this environment. Coming from a program like Georgia, which has developed a reputation for producing high-character, hard-nosed players, Williams has the work ethic and mindset that would make him a valuable addition to the Bengals’ locker room.

Head coach Zac Taylor has done an excellent job of fostering a winning culture in Cincinnati, and Williams would add to that by bringing his leadership and commitment to excellence. His experience playing in high-stakes games at Georgia—competing for SEC titles and national championships—will give him the mental toughness to handle the pressure of the NFL. Whether he’s on the field or in the locker room, Williams has the potential to inspire and elevate the play of his teammates.

 A Bright Future for Mykel Williams and the Bengals

If Mykel Williams is selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2024 NFL Draft, it would be a win-win situation for both the player and the team. For Williams, the chance to continue playing for a winning program with championship aspirations would be an exciting next step in his career. For the Bengals, Williams’ combination of versatility, pass-rushing ability, and run defense would address several key areas of need on their defensive line.

As the Bengals continue to build around Joe Burrow and aim for Super Bowl contention, adding a player of Williams’ caliber would be crucial to the team’s long-term success. With his drive and talent, Williams has the potential to be a game-changing player for the Bengals and could help them become one of the top defenses in the NFL. The 2024 NFL Draft could very well be the beginning of a special career for Mykel Williams, and his impact will be felt in Cincinnati for years to come.