Mykel Williams NFL Draft Forecast: Georgia Bulldogs DE’s top three landing destinations

Mykel Williams NFL Draft Forecast: Georgia Bulldogs DE’s Top Three Landing Destinations

The 2024 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and one of the most intriguing prospects on the defensive line is Mykel Williams, the standout defensive end from the University of Georgia. A force in the trenches for the Bulldogs, Williams has been a key component of Georgia’s dominant defense, which helped propel the team to multiple successful seasons under head coach Kirby Smart. Now, as the NFL Draft draws near, Williams is generating significant buzz as one of the top defensive prospects, with scouts, analysts, and fans eager to see where he will land.

At 6’5″ and 270 pounds, Mykel Williams is an imposing figure on the field, showcasing elite athleticism combined with exceptional strength and technique. His ability to disrupt offenses as both a pass rusher and run stopper makes him one of the most well-rounded defensive ends in this draft class. While the decision about his ultimate destination will depend on a range of factors, including team needs and draft positioning, several franchises are in prime position to potentially select Williams early in the draft. Below, we’ll explore the top three landing destinations for Mykel Williams, considering the teams’ needs, roster structures, and draft positions.

1. Detroit Lions – No. 6 Overall Pick

The Detroit Lions are one of the most intriguing teams in the 2024 NFL Draft. After a strong season in 2023, the Lions are positioning themselves as contenders in the NFC, and their defense remains an area of focus for improvement. Despite boasting an offense led by Jared Goff and a dynamic rushing attack, the Lions’ defense has been inconsistent, especially in the pass rush department. Detroit finished the 2023 season with just 40 sacks—tied for 20th in the league—which indicates a need for a potent edge rusher who can consistently pressure quarterbacks.

Mykel Williams would be an ideal fit for the Lions, especially with their No. 6 overall pick. His versatility and ability to rush the passer from a variety of positions along the defensive line would give head coach Dan Campbell a much-needed weapon. Williams brings a combination of power and quickness that allows him to shed blockers and disrupt offensive schemes, which would enhance the Lions’ pass-rush productivity. Additionally, Williams is a well-rounded player who also excels in stopping the run, a crucial skill for the Lions as they look to solidify their defense.

Given the Lions’ position in the draft, they could opt to address other areas of need, such as the secondary or wide receiver, but Williams presents an undeniable talent with the potential to change the course of their defensive identity. With an improved pass rush, the Lions could contend for playoff spots in a competitive NFC North division.

2. Atlanta Falcons – No. 8 Overall Pick

The Atlanta Falcons are another team that could look to add Mykel Williams to their defensive line. Situated in the NFC South, the Falcons have been in rebuilding mode for a few years, but their 2023 season showed promise with improvements on offense, particularly under quarterback Desmond Ridder and the dynamic running back duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. However, Atlanta’s defense remains a work in progress, and one area where they desperately need help is the pass rush.

Despite spending resources on their defense in previous years, the Falcons have not had a consistent edge rusher to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In 2023, Atlanta finished 29th in the NFL in sacks, with only 38 for the season. Adding a player like Williams, who possesses elite pass-rushing abilities, could give the Falcons the boost they need on the defensive front. His quickness and ability to generate pressure could significantly improve Atlanta’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses, particularly in key divisional matchups.

Williams is also an excellent fit for the Falcons’ defensive scheme, which emphasizes versatility and dynamic playmakers. His ability to line up at various positions along the defensive line would allow defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to get creative in designing blitz packages and stunts that would maximize Williams’ potential. With a solid supporting cast, including rising linebacker Grady Jarrett and promising edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie, Williams could help establish a formidable front seven for Atlanta.

The Falcons are a team on the rise, and adding a player like Williams could accelerate their path to contention in the NFC South, a division that has seen fluctuations in power recently. If the Falcons prioritize defensive improvements with their No. 8 pick, Mykel Williams could be the cornerstone piece to jump-start their defensive transformation.

3. Chicago Bears – No. 1 Overall Pick

The Chicago Bears are entering the 2024 NFL Draft with the No. 1 overall pick, and they have the opportunity to reshape their roster for the future. After finishing with the worst record in the NFL in 2023, the Bears are in a prime position to add a generational talent to their roster. While many expect the Bears to focus on adding a top quarterback prospect or trading down to acquire additional assets, Chicago cannot ignore the significant needs on their defensive line.

The Bears have struggled with consistency along their defensive front, particularly in terms of pass rush. Despite having a strong linebacker corps, Chicago has failed to generate enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks in recent seasons. In 2023, the Bears finished tied for 28th in the NFL with just 36 sacks, signaling a glaring deficiency in their defensive attack. With such a high draft pick, the Bears are in a prime position to address their pass-rush woes, and Mykel Williams would be a perfect fit.

Williams’ ability to impact both the pass rush and the run defense would provide an immediate upgrade for the Bears. His combination of size, speed, and technique makes him one of the most versatile edge rushers in the draft, and his high motor would give Chicago’s defensive front the playmaking ability it has lacked in recent years. Williams’ ability to create disruption would help alleviate some of the pressure on Chicago’s secondary and provide opportunities for their defensive backs to make plays.

Furthermore, Williams’ presence on the field could help elevate other players around him, including linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive linemen like Justin Jones. Pairing Williams with promising young talent could create a dominant defensive front that would set the tone for Chicago’s rebuild under head coach Matt Eberflus.

Although the Bears have many potential needs—ranging from quarterback to offensive line to wide receiver—drafting a high-impact player like Mykel Williams with the No. 1 pick would be an excellent move, especially for a team that is looking to build its identity around a strong defense. With Williams’ ability to contribute immediately, the Bears would be taking a significant step toward improving one of the NFL’s most underperforming defenses.

Honorable Mentions

While the three teams mentioned above are among the most likely landing spots for Mykel Williams in the 2024 NFL Draft, several other teams could also be in the mix depending on how the draft unfolds. These teams include:

• Philadelphia Eagles: With a strong defense and an aggressive front, the Eagles could look to add depth to their pass rush. Williams’ versatility and high ceiling could make him an ideal fit for a team already contending for championships.
• New York Jets: The Jets are loaded on defense but could still use additional edge rushers to complement their strong front seven. Williams could provide immediate help alongside players like Quinnen Williams.
• Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins are known for their aggressive defensive approach under head coach Mike McDaniel, and adding Williams could further strengthen their pass rush and defensive front.