By Ross Jackson
With the NFL Draft just over two weeks away, the New Orleans Saints are continuing to meet with and evaluate prospects. Among the team’s most frequently criticized draft trends is its history of selecting raw edge rushers in the first round—an approach they’ve avoided since taking Houston’s Payton Turner in 2021, who now plays for the Dallas Cowboys.
This year’s draft class features two defensive ends who fit the profile of high-upside talents with limited college production. One was recently hosted by the Saints.
Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams had a pre-draft visit with the Saints.
This isn’t the first time that the Saints have had contact with Williams. Earlier this offseason, the team hosted a dinner with several Georgia prospects with Williams included among the group.
Mykel Williams moves pretty good for 6’5″, 265 pic.twitter.com/O9Obuu3sdw
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) February 18, 2025
Williams is considered a still-developing pass rusher with a very high ceiling once everything comes together for his game. With 14 career sacks in the SEC, the level of competition and production position him better than previous Saints selections like Turner and 2018 first-rounder Marcus Davenport. However, with the No. 9 overall pick in this year’s process, the risk of drafting for potential is hard to ignore.
The Georgia pass rusher is the perfect edge prototype, as far as size and athleticism. He moves well and checks the boxes for ideal build at the position. At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, with great reach and surprisingly fluid movement ability, his traits can be enchanting. But New Orleans may find itself in need for more promise and production than potential. Either way, a visit to the team’s facility is a clear indication of at least intrigue in the Georgia defender.
