Mykel Williams' 2025 NFL Draft rumors are heating up as Day 1 approaches

The 2025 NFL Draft is inching closer and closer, and while there isn't a definite answer on where Mykel Williams will end up, one insider believes he has an idea. 

Sportskeeda's Tony Pauline released a new two-round mock draft this week and linked Williams to the Carolina Panthers, again. In his blurb, Pauline revealed that Carolina's love for Williams is only heating up as draft day approaches. 

"Since Georgia's pro day, all the buzz has centered on the Panthers' love for Williams, as I reported at the time," Pauline writes. 

Williams makes a ton of sense for the Panthers, who are set to pick at No. 8 overall and could use an immediate boost to their defense that ranked last in points allowed last fall. 

The former Georgia Bulldogs star is considered NFL-ready, and his versatility allows him to line up at both outside linebacker and defensive end positions, which offers flexibility in various defensive schemes.

Regardless of needing an immediate boost, Carolina needs to start thinking about 2026 and beyond since current edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and DJ Wonnum are both under contract only through the 2025 seasons. Williams would be great pick. 

Mykel Williams Played Through a Grade 2 Ankle Injury in 2024

Williams is an absolute dawg and only proved that further after playing through a brutal left ankle sprain in 2024. 

In fact, Williams revealed at the NFL Combine in February that he felt just 60 percent during his final season at Georgia.

"I was injured the whole year, never healthy," Williams said. "I was messed up pretty bad. It was extremely frustrating [with people] not knowing the full story."

Despite playing through the pain, Williams still managed to rack up 21 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, 21 pressures, and two forced fumbles in 12 games.

Williams, who opted out of on-field testing at the combine, did mention he feels the healthiest he has felt in a long time. He also said that NFL teams have been big fans of knowing just how gritty of a player he is.

"I have a different type of grit about myself that I can push through pain. No matter how I'm feeling, I can still get it done," he said. "The teams are loving that I did. They said most guys, in the position I was in would have sat down."

The Panthers, or whoever lands Williams, will not regret their decision.