One of the biggest questions for the San Francisco 49ers this season is what to expect from rookie edge rusher Mykel Williams. The Georgia product, selected 11th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, is likely to see significant snaps right away, and with that comes high expectations. But what would constitute a successful rookie campaign, specifically from a sack production standpoint?
To get a better sense, let’s look at some historical context. Since 2011, there have been 17 edge rushers drafted between picks six and 19. This range is intentional, as these players were not considered guaranteed top-five stars but were clearly viewed as top-tier talents who wouldn’t fall out of the top 20. That’s a fair lens through which to view Williams.
Across that group, the average sack total in Year 1 is 4.1. The high end is Bruce Irvin, who posted eight sacks as a rookie. The low end is Rashan Gary, who finished with just two.
One clear takeaway: Rookie sack numbers aren’t everything, especially for players who are more complete defensive ends and not just designated pass rushers.
In Irvin’s case, his role was largely one-dimensional: pin his ears back and get after the quarterback. While that led to early production, he didn’t develop into a cornerstone defender and bounced around the league despite a solid career.
Rashan Gary, on the other hand, is a more appropriate comparison for Williams from a play-style perspective. Both are versatile, well-rounded athletes with the physicality to play the run and rush the passer. Gary may have had a quiet rookie year statistically, but he eventually developed into the centerpiece of Green Bay’s front seven and now averages 6.5 sacks per season with strong run defense to boot.
So what should fans expect from Mykel Williams?
If he lands somewhere around four sacks, that would align perfectly with recent history. But even if he records just one or two, it may still signal a bright future, as long as he shows physical development, gap integrity, and an ability to hold up against the run. The 49ers drafted him for more than just sacks. His growth in all phases of the game is what will define a successful rookie year.
