As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams and fans are debating one of the biggest questions. And it surrounds this year’s top defensive prospects: Will Mykel Williams’ slow 40-yard dash time hurt his draft stock?
A Draft Day Dilemma: Mykel Williams’ Unexpected Hurdle
Williams, the dominant defensive end from Georgia, has been a projected first-round pick for months. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 265 pounds, he’s built like a prototypical NFL pass rusher.
However, the recent buzz around his less-than-stellar 40-yard dash performance has some scouts worried that he may not be as explosive as once thought. Could this be the deciding factor that pushes him from a top-15 selection down into the mid-first round?
Before we jump into the draft-day panic, let’s look at what makes Williams such a coveted prospect in the first place. He’s been a nightmare for opposing offenses throughout his college career at Georgia.
College Career Stats & Accolades:
- Total Tackles: 65
- Sacks: 14
- Forced Fumbles: 3
- Junior Year: 21 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
- 2024 All-SEC Second Team Selection
NFL scout times on Mykel Williams’ 40-yard dash:
4.75
4.82— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 12, 2025
Williams has long been heralded for his ability to stop the run and create havoc in the pocket. He’s also versatile enough to line up as a traditional 4-3 defensive end or as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
Despite all of Williams’ natural talent, the one thing that has scouts concerned is his explosiveness. NFL edge rushers rely on their first step to get around tackles and disrupt the quarterback.
While Williams has an impressive bull rush and plays with relentless energy, his slow 40-yard dash time has sparked debate over whether he has the top-tier speed necessary to dominate in the NFL.
At the NFL Combine, Williams reportedly ran his 40-yard dash in the 4.8-second range, which isn’t terrible for his position, but it’s not elite either. For comparison, top pass rushers in the league often run in the 4.6-second range, making his time a bit concerning for teams hoping to get a speed rusher.
How This Impacts His Draft Stock
Before the combine, Williams was widely projected to be a top-15 pick, with many mock drafts linking him to teams desperate for pass-rush help. But after his underwhelming 40 times, some experts believe he might slide into the mid-to-late first round.
Teams Still Interested in Williams:
- Arizona Cardinals (Pick No. 16)
- Green Bay Packers (Pick No. 23)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Pick No. 26)
While the 40-yard dash is often overvalued, it doesn’t always translate to on-field success for defensive linemen. Williams has proven time and time again that he can shed blockers and make plays in the backfield.
KEEP READING: 2025 NFL Mock Draft But It’s Exclusively SEC Players
Despite the concerns, there’s still a chance Williams stays in the top half of the first round. If a team like the Seattle Seahawks (Pick No. 12) or New Orleans Saints (Pick No. 14) is willing to look past his 40 times, he could still hear his name called earlier than expected.
So, will he slip? Maybe. But will he still be an impact player in the NFL? Absolutely.
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