When looking at mock drafts, almost all have the Falcons picking Edge in the first round. Recently, Atlanta held a private workout for a former five-star SEC linebacker…but probably not who you expected.
SEC Edge Rusher Workout Causes Spark in Draft Rumors
Mike Green has been the most common name associated with Atlanta’s 15th pick in this upcoming draft. If he falls to 15, a lot of mock drafts have them taking Jalon Walker. Beyond that, some predict the team to go the complete opposite direction and take Kelvin Banks. Not many have Mykel Williams being taken with their first-round pick, but that’s exactly who the team held a private workout with.
Videos on Instagram recently surfaced of Williams interacting with Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich after the workout. With the videos circulating, fans are talking about what this could mean for the way the draft plays out. Could Atlanta take a leap of faith on the SEC standout?
College Profile: Mykel Williams
Mykel Williams was a guy coming into the University of Georgia who had a lot of potential. The five-star recruit was heavily recruited across the country. The recruit from Columbus eventually decided to go with UGA.
In his freshman year, he did something almost unheard of in Kirby Smart’s defense: he had starting snaps. He earned First Team All-SEC Freshmen Honors and Freshman All-America Honors (by The Athletic). Throughout his sophomore and junior years, he compiled great statistics on a loaded defensive line despite injury issues.
Williams amassed 21.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks in his collegiate career. Williams also managed to have a phenomenal 39 QB hurries in only 40 games. Despite ankle injuries that plagued his sophomore and junior seasons, he was a major force in helping the Bulldogs win their second national championship in 2023 and an SEC championship this past season.
Good Fit for Falcons?
Draft night is always so unpredictable. Nobody ever ends up available when they are expected to. Prospects fall unexpectedly, and prospects are shockingly taken early every year. If Mike Green and Jalon Walker happen to get taken before 15, Williams is an easy choice for Atlanta. Even if the choice is between Green and Williams, fans shouldn’t be upset if either player is the pick.
Sure, Mykel Williams has had problems with injuries, but don’t let that change the fact that he is a monster when healthy. His length and athleticism are unheard of. At 6’5”, he showcases elite speed and reach to get past some of the best offensive linemen. This past season, Mykel Williams recorded four sacks and a forced fumble in two matchups against Texas. Not only that, but he earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week. In the national championship in his freshman year, he recorded a sack, five tackles, and three QB hurries. He shows up in big games, and he’s a proven pass rusher against some of college football’s best.
Main Image: Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
