NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah sounds convinced that this might finally be the draft the Atlanta Falcons will select a pass rusher in the first round. And it's possible the Falcons won't have to leave their own state to find one.
In his latest NFL mock draft, Jeremiah predicted the Falcons to select Georgia Bulldogs edge Mykel Williams at No. 15 overall in the first round.
"One of these years, I'm going to be right, and the Falcons will take a pass rusher in the first round," wrote Jeremiah.
Williams attended Hardaway High School in Columbus, Ga., which is about two hours south of Atlanta. He played three seasons for the Bulldogs from 2022-24.
Jeremiah ranked Williams the No. 16 prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft on Jan. 28. Jeremiah rated Williams the third-best edge rusher on his big board as well.
"Williams is a talented edge rusher with rare physical traits. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury in the opening game against Clemson and played through pain for the remainder of the season," wrote Jeremiah. "Overall, the 2024 tape isn't a fair representation of Williams' talent.
"He has game-changing tools when healthy and locked in."
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) December 20, 2024Mykel Williams is this year's FREAKISH athlete at edge rusher (6'5", 270lbs, 35" arms).
He flashed his upside with dominance in both games against Texas, totaling 4 sacks. pic.twitter.com/fj7Nr25KWF
Williams posted five sacks, nine tackles for loss, two pass defenses and two forced fumbles along with 21 combined tackles last season. He registered 14 sacks in 40 games at Georgia.
If the Falcons selected Williams, he would be the first edge rusher to land with Atlanta during the first round since 2017. He would also be the first Georgia player the Falcons select in the first round in their history.
