How Risky Was 49ers' First-Round Pick?

The 2025 NFL Draft was among the strong crops of edge rushers in recent memory, including five in the first round. Among those taking high-profile pass rushers were the San Francisco 49ers, who made Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams the 11th pick.

Such a strong investment demands high expectations, and San Francisco’s thin defensive line needs Williams to look the part from the jump. However, not everyone is bullish on the selection.

Williams logged just 14 sacks across three college seasons and isn’t a finished product as a pass rusher. Throw in some injury issues, and the Georgia star isn’t the cleanest projection.

Subsequently, Sports Illustrated listed the 49ers' rookie among the likeliest bust candidates in the NFC.

“The 49ers have struggled to find a productive No. 2 edge rusher to complement Nick Bosa,” Gilberto Manzano wrote. “It’s tough to assess whether San Francisco finally found the right player to hold down the role for many years to come partly because Williams didn’t have the breakout junior season many expected him to have at Georgia due to a nagging ankle injury.”

By some measures, Williams could very well become a bust. Any early pick can!

However, there’s a conversation to be had about expectations on edge rushers and a hyperfixation on sacks. It gets overlooked, but run defense can be as important as getting to the quarterback, especially for a complementary edge rusher.

As Williams refines his pass-rushing arsenal, there may be slumps or droughts in his production. Run defense doesn’t have to slump in that same fashion. If he’s a phenomenal run defender and just average against the pass, San Francisco will be thrilled. His critics will remain unsatisfied, much like they were with No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney.

In fairness to Manzano, this is far from a hit piece on the 49ers rookie. There are risk factors at play, and San Francisco’s recent track record doesn’t do him any favors.

As far as reputation goes, sharing a draft class with so many talented prospects only raises the bar. Manzano remained optimistic, despite his concerns.

“If Williams can develop more tools and rely more on skills to break free, then adding the Georgia product to this list could look silly by next draft season.”