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The latest NFL mock draft from NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter has the Cincinnati Bengals taking University of Georgia Bulldogs edge Mykel Williams with the 17th pick of next Thursday's first round.
"Williams is the pick because of his potential as a strong, long edge defender who can pressure quarterbacks and play the run," Reuter wrote, noting uncertainty surrounding defensive end and NFL sacks leader Trey Hendrickson.
"Sky's the limit with the ability he possesses," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said of Williams.
What to know about Williams, who totaled 14 sacks over three seasons at UGA before entering the draft after his junior year:
Williams suffered an ankle sprain during Georgia's season-opening win against Clemson.
Williams aggravated the injury in the Sugar Bowl. He took several weeks off for the ankle to heal before working out at Georgia's pro day.
Williams did not participate in on-field workouts.
Williams was considered a likely top 10 pick, but many recent mock drafts have had Williams instead going closer to the middle of the first round.
USA TODAY's Tyler Dragon wrote earlier this month that Williams' stock was down, in part because of an unofficial time of 4.74 in the 40-yard dash at the Bulldogs' pro day.
"That mark would've been the fifth slowest time among edge participants at this year's combine," Dragon wrote.
The NFL updated its list Friday of players expected to attend the draft in Green Bay, and Williams was not among them. Williams was on a previous list of attendees.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that the teams Williams visited included the San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks, the Arizona Cardinals, the New England Patriots, the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Jets, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints.
Eight defensive players from Georgia have been drafted in the first round the past four years.
"Georgia is looked at in a different light," Williams said, per the AP's Charles Odum. "So are programs like Alabama and Ohio State. All the great programs around the country I feel like are looked at in a different light when it comes to the NFL."
A five-star prospect at Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia, Williams was named the Maxwell Football National High School Defensive Player of the Year. Williams committed to USC but flipped to UGA.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mykel Williams, Georgia edge, is likely NFL draft first-round pick
Continue reading...
"Williams is the pick because of his potential as a strong, long edge defender who can pressure quarterbacks and play the run," Reuter wrote, noting uncertainty surrounding defensive end and NFL sacks leader Trey Hendrickson.
"Sky's the limit with the ability he possesses," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said of Williams.
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What to know about Williams, who totaled 14 sacks over three seasons at UGA before entering the draft after his junior year:
Williams told reporters he played at 60 percent last season.
Williams suffered an ankle sprain during Georgia's season-opening win against Clemson.
Williams aggravated the injury in the Sugar Bowl. He took several weeks off for the ankle to heal before working out at Georgia's pro day.
Williams was measured at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds at the combine.
Williams did not participate in on-field workouts.
Williams was considered a likely top 10 pick, but many recent mock drafts have had Williams instead going closer to the middle of the first round.
USA TODAY's Tyler Dragon wrote earlier this month that Williams' stock was down, in part because of an unofficial time of 4.74 in the 40-yard dash at the Bulldogs' pro day.
"That mark would've been the fifth slowest time among edge participants at this year's combine," Dragon wrote.
Williams is not expected to be in attendance at the draft.
The NFL updated its list Friday of players expected to attend the draft in Green Bay, and Williams was not among them. Williams was on a previous list of attendees.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that the teams Williams visited included the San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks, the Arizona Cardinals, the New England Patriots, the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Jets, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints.
As a freshman, Williams was part of the Georgia team that won the national championship.
Eight defensive players from Georgia have been drafted in the first round the past four years.
"Georgia is looked at in a different light," Williams said, per the AP's Charles Odum. "So are programs like Alabama and Ohio State. All the great programs around the country I feel like are looked at in a different light when it comes to the NFL."
A five-star prospect at Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia, Williams was named the Maxwell Football National High School Defensive Player of the Year. Williams committed to USC but flipped to UGA.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mykel Williams, Georgia edge, is likely NFL draft first-round pick
Continue reading...
