49ers Sign First-Round DE Mykel Williams

The 49ers were one of five teams in the 2025 NFL Draft who had the highest number of drafted rookies (11). According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, San Francisco pushed its ninth rookie contract across the finish line tonight, inking first-round defensive end Mykel Williams. Per Wilson, Williams’ four-year rookie deal (with a fifth-year option) is worth $29.94MM fully guaranteed, including a $14.78MM signing bonus.

Williams spent three years at Georgia, earning second-team All-SEC honors in each of his final two seasons. A former five-star recruit, Williams didn’t quite live up to expectations in Athens. He failed to eclipse five sacks or nine tackles for loss in any season with the Bulldogs. He only started 17 of 40 games, though he was still a regular on three Georgia defenses — including a national championship-winning 2022 group.

An ankle injury hindered Williams’ play in 2024, as well. Still, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound edge rusher’s size and athleticism had him squarely on the first-round radar. He’s a common type of prospect that we see with more tools and potential than production in college.

The 49ers are hoping that WIlliams will be able to fill in the spot vacated by another former Bulldog, Leonard Floyd, who spent the most time across from Nick Bosa on the defensive line last year. The team also sees Sam Okuayinonu, Yetur Gross-Matos, and yet another former Georgia player, Robert Beal Jr., returning from last season. The three players combined for only seven sacks in 2024.

Unless Okuayinonu, Gross-Matos, or Beal are ready to take the next steps in their careers, Williams may be expected to step into a starting role early. San Francisco will need to tap into that athleticism and potential and hope that Williams can produce more against NFL competition.

Here’s a look at the 49ers’ draft class including the final two players that need to sign their rookie deals:

• Round 1, No. 11: Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia) (signed)
• Round 2, No. 43: Alfred Collins (DT, Texas)
• Round 3, No. 75: Nick Martin (LB, Oklahoma State) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 100*: Upton Stout (CB, Western Kentucky) (signed)
• Round 4, No. 113: CJ West (DT, Indiana)
• Round 4, No. 138*: Jordan Watkins (WR, Ole Miss) (signed)
• Round 5: No. 147 (from Saints through Commanders): Jordan James (RB, Oregon) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 160 (from Vikings): Marques Sigle (S, Kansas State) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 227: Kurtis Rourke (QB, Indiana) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 249*: Connor Colby (G, Iowa) (signed)
• Round 7, 252*: Junior Bergen (WR, Montana) (signed)