Some question the impact San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive end Mykel Williams will have in 2025. However, one analyst believes the talented pass rusher is the team's best candidate to earn NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Pro Football & Sports Network's Jacob Infante recently named one Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate for each of the 32 NFL teams. He highlighted Williams as the 49ers' top contender, crediting the presence of All-Pro pass rusher Nick Bosa for creating an ideal situation for the rookie.
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"Any time you get a player like Nick Bosa rushing off the edge, whichever player rushes alongside him is practically guaranteed consistent 1-on-1 blocks," Infante explained. "For the San Francisco 49ers, that player figures to be Mykel Williams in 2025.
"Though a little bit raw, Williams has elite size and length rushing off the edge. His short-area quickness and power indicate he could be a threat if he deepens his arsenal as a pass rusher. His upside alongside Bosa is incredibly high."
Drafted 11th overall, Williams has already expressed excitement about the opportunity to learn from Bosa, an All-Pro who won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 before earning five Pro Bowl selections.
"I'm seeing a lot of talent, a lot of eagerness to learn, more so than I've seen probably from any young guy," Bosa said of Williams last month. "He just wants to learn as much as he can, and I'm excited to give all the knowledge I can to him. I think he's got a ton of talent, so the sky's the limit."
When asked about Williams' physical traits, Bosa added, "Just length, size, explosiveness, all the things you want—strength, physicality. He's got it all."
Williams finished his college career at Georgia with 67 tackles (23 for loss), 14 sacks, four passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. The 49ers hope the promising rookie can help revitalize a defensive front that struggled to consistently stop the run and pressure quarterbacks during the 2024 season.
H/t to Mike Masala of Niners Wire for the find.