'Dominant' 49ers Rookie Wreaking Havoc on Trent Williams-Led Offensive Line

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Karseno | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 12:47 PM ET

In the San Francisco 49ers' 11-on-11 sessions at training camp this week there is a lot of iron sharpening iron, especially on the line.

Trent Williams, entering his 15th year in the league and sixth with the Niners, remains one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Not only has he gone against a premier pass rusher in Nick Bosa over the last few years, Williams is tasked with facing another fierce edge in rookie Mykel Williams.

The No. 11 overall pick in this year's draft has made a solid impression on the future Hall of Famer in their first meetings at the line of scrimmage.

"It sucks," Trent said about going against a guy of Mykel's size (6-5, 260 pounds) on the edge. "I think he has a really good chance to be a really good, really good player in this NFL. He has a chance to be dominant."

Not only is Mykel able to line up against a premier left tackle every day at practice, but he gets to learn the intricacies of his position from an All-Pro that is also on the fast track of being one of the best ever at his position.

"... Getting to learn from some of the best guys to learn from, obviously Nick" Trent added about Mykel's development. "I'm happy to see how he turn out. I think he's got all the tools to be a All-Pro."

The proof is already showing as Mykel has looked extremely explosive in drills at training camp.

Mykel Williams can MOVE

: @49ers pic.twitter.com/K0NB0Oa3Dr
— Coach Yac (@Coach_Yac) July 24, 2025

Last season, Mykel's stats may not have jumped off the page, but it's important to remember that he dealt with a lingering high ankle sprain much of the season at Georgia. That ankle looks good to go now, as his bend and flexibility look much more comfortable.

The 49ers lost some starters on the defensive line during free agency, but responded by drafting five straight defensive players in the Draft for new coordinator Robert Saleh.

It's the first time the franchise chose five defensive players with their first five picks since 1981 - the class that formed a Super Bowl-winning secondary with Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson.

"That draft was obviously very good for this organization then," general manager John Lynch said. "And we can only pray that this one is as good."

If Mykel and the rest of the rookies can keep up this pace, they're well on their way to living up to the "dominant" potential Trent is seeing.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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