At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles indicated his desire to find "ballhawks" for his defense.
Those players will be targeted in next month's NFL Draft from Green Bay, Wisconsin, starting on April 24.
In the latest NFL mock draft, the Bucs find a player who fits that description perfectly with Georgia Bulldogs edge rusher Mykel Williams.
"Williams jumps off the tape, keeping his long arms working to disrupt passing lanes with batted passes. Over 30 percent of Williams' career tackles resulted in a loss and his explosiveness and speed-to-power conversion is what the Bucs' brass covets. Tampa Bay is potentially set to lose Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Anthony Nelson and Shaquil Barrett in free agency, creating a void that needs to be filled opposite Yaya Diaby. Williams played both inside and outside for Georgia, making his production even more impressive. Since arriving in Athens, Williams had a pressure in all but one outing and possesses a voracious passion for the game.
"He keeps his legs and hands churning to advance his rush and Williams finishes sacks with closing burst. It is well known that Bowles likes to move his pass rushers around and Williams has insane flexibility, lining up from a three-technique to a wide-9, while also rushing from a 2-point stance on occasion. He is comfortable with his hand in the dirt and would help anchor the Bucs' defensive line."
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Williams would join a line that already consists of 2024 second-round pick Chris Braswell, who the Bucs hope will still develop into a force on the edge, as well as Calijah Kancey.
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This story was originally published March 9, 2025 at 4:49 PM.