Robert Saleh is back in San Francisco, and he may have found his next star edge rusher in rookie Mykel Williams. The first-round pick is already earning first-team reps and turning heads at training camp.
The San Francisco 49ers brought defensive coordinator Robert Saleh back this offseason, after leaving the building back in 2021. The former New York Jets head coach returned with a new first-round rookie to experiment with, with Mykel Williams immediately earning a starting role at the beginning of training camp.
Gaining the trust of Saleh proves that Williams has lived up to the expectations that the organization had when drafting him 11th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Georgia Bulldog has flashed all over the practice field, showcasing his NFL-readiness.
Robert Saleh was asked if there was any offseason discussion about Mykel Williams starting as a rookie:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) July 29, 2025
“Even if it was a discussion, it doesn’t take long. Just look at him, right? He’s very powerful. He’s got great hands. He’s got great leverage. He has great flexibility to go… pic.twitter.com/YP97IKNEt6
Saleh had arguably the best defensive line in football back during his first stint in San Francisco, and general manager John Lynch is doing everything in his power to get the 2025 49ers back there.
Williams has battled against three-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams in practice, and has been doing more than holding his own. The 37-year-old veteran has been blown away by the young rookie’s athleticism, giving him a glowing review.
Having the tools and athleticism is one thing, but putting it all together is another story. So far, Williams has shown he can be a versatile chess piece for Saleh, having success in creative formations and pass-rushing packages.
Ok, here is the breakdown of how Robert Saleh is creatively using 49ers rookie Mykel Williams:
— Brad (@Graham_SFN) July 29, 2025
Bosa lined up in the wide-9, Mykel STANDING UP in the 3T, Givens inside shade of OG, overloading one side
Mykel fake-drops into coverage, Bosa crashes inside and Mykel loops around… https://t.co/5vzUiFFP6B
In college, Williams flashed for the Bulldogs, en route to back-to-back years being named Second team All-SEC in 2023 and 2024. Using his 6-foot-5, 260-pound frame, Williams was a consistent run defender and an intriguing pass rusher.
The last time the 49ers drafted a first-round edge rusher was Nick Bosa back in 2019. Saleh showed that year how he was able to get the most out of a young athletic defensive end, ending with a defensive rookie of the year campaign, and hopes to replicate that with Williams in 2025.
As a prospect, Williams was thought by many as a player with great potential to become a great player, but someone who may need some time to develop. Saleh’s early trust in the young rookie shows he’s confident that Williams will have an immediate impact.
Category: Football
