The 49ers' top pick of the 2025 NFL Draft wants to accomplish plenty of things over the course of his rookie year.
The San Francisco 49ers ultimately got the top player they wanted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams, despite trying to trade up for him and failing in that particular department.
Williams ultimately slipped to No. 11 overall, and the Niners pounced, hoping the 20-year-old former Bulldog will form the perfect bookend to pair with All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa.
"He can play outside, he can play inside," general manager John Lynch said of Williams in his post-Round 1 press conference. "He does all those things. ... Came through here on a 30 visit and really got a feel for the kid. And I just think all of that led us to this guy as a Niner. He fits who we are, our culture, and we pounced when he was there."
One of the faults of this year's draft class is the perceived lack of true blue-chip talent, and Williams wasn't exactly regarded as an elite pass-rushing prospect who'd make that kind of serious impact in year one.
That said, San Francisco's prime choice didn't shy away from trying to make such an impact right out of the gate, setting some lofty goals for himself.
Mykel Williams aims to win Super Bowl, Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2025
It's one thing to be overconfident. It's another to aim high.
For Williams, he already boasted a number of high-profile goals for his rookie season.
"I want to win a ring. We're going to the Super Bowl my rookie year," Williams declared, via Coach Yac on X. "That’s a great way to start the career off. I want a ring. I also want eight to 10 sacks. I ain’t gonna lie to you. And I want whatever rookie award it is. Defensive Rookie of the Year or Rookie of the Year? I want it."
Mykel Williams celebrates heading to the 49ers with his family as the 11th pick 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HZUPzo2JSy
— ESPN (@espn) April 25, 2025
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Notable and quotable. Considering the context, though, it might not be outlandishly lofty when looking at the company he's joining.
"I'm excited to play for Coach [Robert] Saleh and play in his system and play with the great players," Williams added during his introductory presser. "And I'm playing with Nick Bosa, man, I can't wait to get to practice. I can't wait to get to practice."
If Williams comes anywhere close to those goals, the 49ers will be awfully happy.