Results of the NFL Combine: Georgia Bulldogs’ Edge Williams, Mykel

Results of the NFL Combine: Georgia Bulldogs’ Edge Mykel Williams

The NFL Combine is one of the most significant events for college football players hoping to make the leap to the professional level. Every year, top prospects from across the nation are evaluated by NFL teams, showcasing their athletic abilities, strength, and football intelligence in an effort to boost their draft stock. Among the most highly anticipated players in the 2025 NFL Draft class is Mykel Williams, an edge rusher from the University of Georgia, whose performance at the NFL Combine garnered significant attention from scouts and analysts.

Williams, a key member of Georgia’s dominant defense, has quickly become one of the most promising edge prospects in this draft cycle. His combination of size, speed, and pass-rushing prowess made him an immediate standout at the Combine. The Georgia Bulldogs, under head coach Kirby Smart, have developed a reputation for producing elite defensive talent, and Williams is no exception. With his relentless pursuit of the quarterback, versatility on the defensive front, and impressive athleticism, Williams entered the 2025 NFL Combine as one of the most intriguing prospects to watch.

Mykel Williams’ Background and College Career

Before diving into the results of Williams’ performance at the NFL Combine, it’s important to understand his journey to this point. Williams, a highly regarded recruit out of high school, was an integral part of Georgia’s defensive line for multiple seasons. Known for his ability to rush the passer, disrupt offenses, and play with an edge, Williams quickly earned a starting role and proved himself as one of the top defensive players in college football.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 270 pounds, Williams boasts the ideal size for an edge rusher in the NFL. His athleticism, however, is what truly sets him apart. Over the course of his college career, Williams showcased his ability to quickly accelerate off the line of scrimmage, set the edge against the run, and wreak havoc in the backfield. His speed and explosiveness were key components of Georgia’s championship-caliber defense, which routinely ranked among the best in the country.

Williams’ college career highlights include a stellar 2023 season, during which he recorded numerous sacks and tackles for loss, making him one of the most feared pass rushers in the SEC. His combination of strength, technique, and relentless motor allowed him to take on multiple blockers and still find ways to impact the game. His ability to both set the edge against the run and rush the passer with speed made him a dual threat on the defensive line.

By the time he declared for the NFL Draft, Williams had firmly established himself as one of the top edge rushers available, and his athletic profile made him a player to watch at the NFL Combine.

The Importance of the NFL Combine for Edge Rushers

The NFL Combine is a crucial opportunity for all draft-eligible players to showcase their skills in front of NFL teams. For edge rushers like Mykel Williams, the Combine provides a platform to demonstrate not only their physical attributes, such as size and speed, but also their athleticism and ability to perform under pressure.

While many aspects of the Combine, such as interviews and psychological evaluations, are important, the on-field drills are what matter most to scouts. For an edge rusher, the Combine offers a chance to display speed, strength, explosiveness, and agility—all key traits that NFL teams look for when evaluating pass-rushers.

The 40-yard dash, in particular, is one of the most important events for edge rushers. A fast 40-yard dash time can showcase an edge rusher’s ability to explode off the line of scrimmage and close the distance between themselves and the quarterback. For players like Williams, whose primary role is to disrupt passing plays, a strong 40-yard dash time is crucial.

Additionally, agility drills, such as the three-cone drill and the shuttle drills, provide insight into a player’s ability to change direction quickly, something that is essential for edge rushers who need to avoid offensive tackles and adjust their rush path to get to the quarterback.

Mykel Williams’ 40-Yard Dash Results

When Mykel Williams took the field for his 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine, there were high expectations surrounding his performance. As an edge rusher, his 40-yard dash time would provide an important indication of his explosiveness and ability to get off the line quickly. The 40-yard dash is one of the most publicized tests at the Combine, and for defensive players like Williams, it’s an essential measure of athleticism.

Williams’ official 40-yard dash time was 4.68 seconds, a strong performance that immediately captured the attention of scouts and analysts. For a player of Williams’ size—standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 270 pounds—this time is extremely impressive. It places him among the faster edge rushers in the class, demonstrating that he has the burst and acceleration to compete at the next level.

To put this into context, the fastest 40-yard dash times for edge rushers typically range from 4.5 to 4.7 seconds. Williams’ 4.68-second time puts him in the upper echelon of his position group, signaling that he has the speed to get off the ball quickly and close the distance between himself and the quarterback. This performance reaffirmed his status as one of the top pass-rushers in the 2025 draft class.

Williams’ 40-yard dash time was not only impressive in terms of pure speed but also in its demonstration of his quickness off the line. The first 10 yards of the 40-yard dash are critical for edge rushers, as this is the segment of the race where they need to get off the line quickly and establish momentum. Williams’ strong 10-yard split was indicative of his ability to fire off the ball, an essential skill for any edge rusher.

Comparing Mykel Williams’ 40-Yard Dash to Other Edge Rushers

While Williams’ 40-yard dash time of 4.68 seconds is impressive, it’s important to compare it to other top edge rusher prospects at the Combine. In the 2025 draft class, edge rushers such as Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama, Jalen Carter from Georgia, and Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame were all considered elite prospects, and each participated in the 40-yard dash.

Will Anderson Jr., for example, ran a time of 4.6 seconds, which is faster than Williams’ time. However, the difference is minimal, and both players are among the top edge rusher prospects in the class. Anderson and Williams both have the ability to explode off the ball and chase down quarterbacks, and while Anderson’s time may be slightly faster, Williams’ performance showed that he is more than capable of competing at the highest level.

Comparing Williams to other edge rushers who were expected to run slower 40-yard dash times due to their size and playing style further highlights his impressive performance. Players like Myles Murphy from Clemson, who posted a time of 4.75 seconds, fall into a similar category in terms of size and athleticism, and Williams’ 4.68-second time places him well within range of these top prospects. His time positions him as a player who can excel in both speed-based pass-rushing situations and power-based ones.

Beyond the 40-Yard Dash: Agility and Strength

While the 40-yard dash is often the headline event, edge rushers like Williams also face a variety of other tests at the Combine. Agility drills, such as the three-cone drill, shuttle drills, and broad jump, are also critical in evaluating a player’s ability to move laterally, change direction, and maintain balance while pursuing the quarterback. For Williams, these drills served to showcase his fluidity and agility in addition to his straight-line speed.

Williams’ agility results further highlighted his potential as an edge rusher. His time in the three-cone drill, which tests a player’s ability to change direction and accelerate, was 6.92 seconds, which is competitive for an edge rusher. This result demonstrated that Williams has the quickness to bend around offensive tackles, one of the key skills needed for a successful pass rush in the NFL. Additionally, his shuttle times further demonstrated his ability to move laterally with precision, giving him the tools to attack from different angles and adjust his rush path mid-play.

Strength is another vital component for any edge rusher, and Williams was able to impress in the bench press drill as well. Posting a solid 26 reps of 225 pounds, Williams demonstrated that he is not only fast but also strong enough to compete with the physical demands of the NFL. His ability to maintain power and control when engaged with offensive linemen was a key element of his success in college, and it was on full display at the Combine.

The Impact of Williams’ Performance on His Draft Stock

Mykel Williams’ performance at the 2025 NFL Combine undoubtedly had a positive impact on his draft stock. His impressive 40-yard dash time, agility drills, and overall athletic profile have solidified his position as one of the top edge rusher prospects in this year’s draft class.

Williams’ versatility and explosive athleticism make him a strong candidate to be selected early in the draft. His ability to disrupt the passing game, coupled with his impressive speed and strength, positions him as a player who can make an immediate impact at the next level. As NFL teams continue to prioritize pass rushers who can get after the quarterback and change the game with their athleticism, Williams’ performance at the Combine has only reaffirmed his potential to be a game-changer.