As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one of the most anticipated storylines is the fate of Mykel Williams, a dominant defensive lineman from the University of Georgia. Williams has earned a reputation as one of the most disruptive and talented defensive prospects in the draft class, making him a prime target for NFL teams looking to strengthen their front seven. In the latest NFL mock draft, the New York Jets are projected to select Williams with their first-round pick, marking a significant step in the team’s ongoing effort to build a championship-contending roster.
The Jets have made substantial progress in recent seasons, especially with their defense, but adding a player of Williams’ caliber could elevate their defensive line and create an even more formidable unit. The combination of Williams’ size, strength, pass-rushing ability, and run-stopping prowess makes him an ideal fit for the Jets as they continue their quest to build a playoff contender in the highly competitive AFC East.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Mykel Williams’ rise as a top prospect, his strengths as a defensive lineman, and the impact he could have on the New York Jets’ defense. Additionally, we’ll analyze how Williams fits into the Jets’ current defensive scheme and what his selection means for the team moving forward.
Mykel Williams’ Journey at Georgia
Mykel Williams’ football journey began in high school, where he was an elite prospect known for his ability to dominate in the trenches. His combination of size, athleticism, and work ethic quickly caught the attention of college scouts, and by the time he made his decision to attend the University of Georgia, it was clear that he was destined for greatness. Georgia, known for its championship pedigree and strong defensive tradition, became the perfect place for Williams to develop his talents.
During his time in Athens, Williams showcased all the traits that would later make him one of the most sought-after players in the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6’5″ and weighing 300 pounds, Williams has the ideal size to play defensive end or defensive tackle at the next level. His athleticism and versatility allow him to excel in various roles along the defensive line, and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways is what makes him such a unique prospect.
In his sophomore season at Georgia, Williams was a key contributor to the Bulldogs’ dominant defense, earning All-SEC honors and becoming a leader in both pass rush and run defense. His sack total, combined with his ability to clog up running lanes, made him a standout in Georgia’s championship-winning defense. Whether it was getting pressure on the quarterback or stuffing the run game, Williams consistently proved that he could do it all. As a result, he has quickly emerged as one of the top defensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Williams’ Strengths: What Makes Him a Top Prospect
Williams’ rise to the top of the draft rankings can be attributed to his exceptional skill set, which combines size, strength, speed, and football IQ. Below are some of the key attributes that make him a premier defensive lineman and an ideal fit for the New York Jets.
Size and Strength
Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 300 pounds, Williams possesses the ideal size for a defensive lineman. His combination of height and weight allows him to be effective both as a pass rusher and as a run-stopper. His ability to hold his ground against offensive linemen while also using his strength to shed blockers makes him a versatile asset to any defense.
While many defensive linemen struggle to maintain their strength throughout a full game, Williams has demonstrated an ability to be disruptive in both early and late-game situations. His power at the line of scrimmage allows him to control blockers and create opportunities for his teammates to make plays. This balance of strength and size is a key reason why Williams is considered one of the most complete defensive line prospects in recent memory.
Pass Rush Ability
One of Williams’ standout skills is his ability to rush the passer. During his time at Georgia, he showcased excellent burst off the line of scrimmage and an ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. Williams has a quick first step that allows him to beat offensive linemen to the edge, and his hand technique is advanced for a player of his age. Whether he’s working through the interior of the offensive line or coming off the edge, Williams has the tools to be a consistent threat in the pass rush.
Williams’ pass-rushing ability is one of the reasons why he is such an attractive option for NFL teams. In an era where generating pressure on the quarterback is paramount, Williams has shown that he can be a game-changer in this regard. With an NFL-caliber repertoire of pass-rushing moves, he can disrupt offensive plays and force quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations, creating opportunities for turnovers and sacks.
Run Defense and Strength Against the Run
Another important aspect of Williams’ game is his ability to stop the run. While much of the focus on defensive linemen is often placed on pass-rushing ability, being a strong run defender is equally crucial, and Williams excels in this area. His strength allows him to clog up running lanes and prevent running backs from finding space. Whether playing as a 3-4 defensive end or as a 4-3 defensive tackle, Williams can hold the point of attack and force the ball carrier to change direction.
Williams’ ability to disengage from blockers and track down the ball carrier is also impressive. He has shown that he can shed blockers quickly, making him a valuable player in any defensive scheme that prioritizes stopping the run. The Jets, who play in a division with strong running teams, would benefit greatly from having a player who can make an impact in the ground game.
Football IQ and Versatility
Perhaps one of the most important qualities that separates Williams from other defensive line prospects is his football IQ. He has an innate ability to read the offensive line’s intentions and adjust his technique to take advantage of offensive linemen’s weaknesses. His awareness on the field allows him to anticipate plays, diagnose schemes, and make adjustments as the play develops.
Moreover, Williams’ versatility is another significant asset. He can play multiple positions along the defensive line, whether it’s as a traditional defensive end in a 4-3 defense, as a 3-4 defensive end, or as a defensive tackle in a more interior role. This flexibility is particularly valuable for NFL teams that employ varied defensive schemes, as Williams can fit seamlessly into multiple systems. This versatility makes him a highly attractive prospect for teams like the Jets, who often deploy multiple defensive fronts.
Williams’ Fit With the New York Jets
The New York Jets are a team that is in the process of building a championship-caliber roster. After a successful draft in previous years, which brought in key players on offense and defense, the Jets have positioned themselves to be serious contenders in the AFC. However, to make the leap to true Super Bowl contention, the Jets still need to fortify their defense, particularly their pass rush.
This is where Mykel Williams comes into play. The Jets’ defensive line is led by players like Quinnen Williams and Carl Lawson, but the team still lacks a consistent second pass-rusher who can complement their existing stars. While the Jets have a strong defensive unit, Mykel Williams would add a new dimension to the line, creating a more complete pass-rushing attack.
Head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich have emphasized the importance of a strong, disruptive defensive front, and Williams fits this mold perfectly. His ability to rush the passer from both the edge and the interior would give the Jets the flexibility to run multiple defensive packages and apply constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With quarterbacks like Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) and Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) in their division, the Jets will need to create consistent pressure in order to compete for a playoff spot.
In addition to his pass-rushing prowess, Williams’ ability to stop the run would provide an immediate upgrade to the Jets’ run defense. The Jets have struggled at times to stop the run in key situations, and Williams’ strength at the line of scrimmage would help shore up those weaknesses. By having a player like Williams who can both rush the passer and stop the run, the Jets would have one of the most well-rounded defensive lines in the league.
Another key aspect of Williams’ fit with the Jets is his leadership and high football IQ. The Jets have an evolving group of defensive leaders, but Williams could emerge as a dominant presence in their locker room. His competitive mentality and high football IQ would make him a great fit for a defense that prides itself on discipline and execution.
What Mykel Williams Brings to the New York Jets
The addition of Mykel Williams would instantly make the New York Jets’ defense even more formidable. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways—rushing the passer, stopping the run, and generating disruption—would elevate the Jets’ defensive line to another level. With his size, strength, athleticism, and versatility, Williams is the kind of player who can make an immediate impact at the next level.
For the Jets, Williams would represent a key piece in their effort to become Super Bowl contenders. His ability to complement the existing talent on the roster, including Quinnen Williams, Carl Lawson, and others, would make the Jets’ defensive line one of the most feared in the league. The selection of Mykel Williams would be a statement that the Jets are serious about building a championship-caliber defense capable of shutting down any offense in the NFL.