Grading 49ers selection of Georgia's star defensive end in 1st round of NFL draft

The San Francisco 49ers addressed their clear, biggest need in the first round of the NFL draft when they selected Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams with No. 11 overall pick.

By attacking their biggest need the 49ers gave their grade a strong floor. They didn't reach, they touched on their biggest need, and they didn't pass up on a much better player in the process.

On a loaded Georgia defensive line, Williams started 17 of his 40 games across three seasons. He plays a violent style and he brings good athleticism with all the measurables San Francisco looks for on the end. Williams is 6-5, 267 pounds and he has 34 3/8-inch arms. His potential is through the roof, and he should at the very least help San Francisco's run defense right away.

Whether he'll have a major impact on their pass rush remains to be seen, which leaves a ceiling on his grade. The 49ers need tons of help on the defensive front, including against the run. They'll need to start getting after the quarterback with more consistency and it's unclear if Williams will help much in that regard out of the gate.

At the very least Williams should be a Day 1 starter who makes an impact as an edge setter in the run game. That helps. For the pick to hit its ceiling, he'll need to become at least an effective pass rusher. The pass rush uncertainty brings the grade down some, but overall this is a nice pick for the 49ers.

Grade: B+

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 2025 NFL draft grade for San Francisco 49ers 1st-round pick