This season has to be better, right?
The San Francisco 49ers endured a brutal 2024 campaign, finishing with their worst record since 2020. Other than the seemingly constant injuries, the Niners' weak run defense may have been fans' biggest source of frustration.
They spent a first-round pick to solve that problem. Mykel Williams has the potential to become a dominant pass-rusher, but he should make an immediate impact against the run. According to one scout, "He's strong and physical when taking on blocks and has the upper body strength to get extension against offensive linemen."
In San Francisco's opener against the Seattle Seahawks, Williams will be put to the test.
49ers' Week 1 result hinges on Mykel Williams' performance
The 49ers haven't had too much difficulty stopping Seattle's rushing attack in recent years. They held the Hawks to under 100 yards on the ground in each of their matchups last season. But Klint Kubiak, Seattle's new offensive coordinator, brings a different system to the table. Kubiak is expected to lean heavily on the run, prioritizing physicality and ball control.
The Seahawks doubled down on their run-heavy philosophy by drafting guard Grey Zabel in the first round of last April's draft. Zabel is Seattle's first major investment at guard in years, a clear signal of the team's shift in focus.
They'll probably look to establish their rushing attack early against the Niners. Outside-zone runs are a key feature of Kubiak's system, so San Francisco's defensive ends will have to perform at a high level throughout the game.
We don't have to worry about Nick Bosa, but that's a tough way for Williams to start his career. He'll line up across from either Abe Lucas or Charles Cross, who are both quality tackles. If the rookie gets overpowered, the Seahawks will be able to run the ball at will. He'll need to match their level of physicality to help the Niners come away with the victory.
Williams isn't the only San Francisco rookie who will play a big role on Sunday. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins, linebacker Nick Martin, and nickelback Upton Stout will all be important pieces of this defense. It's reasonable to expect a bit of a slow start from the young players, but San Francisco can't afford to be outmatched by their division rivals.
The NFC West is set to be highly competitive this year, and every game will be crucial in the fight to get back to the playoffs.