First-round NFL Draft picks always come with a lot of hype and lofty expectations, and San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive end Mykel Williams is no exception.
The No. 11 overall pick from last April is expected to be the [Niners' next long-term bookend](https://ninernoise.com/49ers-drafting-mykel-williams-is-par-for-the-course-and-that-s-a-good-thing-01jsn0qrs9pj) opposite All-Pro Nick Bosa, but it's a long road from hearing a name called on draft day to turning into a major contributor on a 53-man roster.
So far, so good on that front, though. At least according to San Francisco's coaching staff.
Namely defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, who told [NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan](https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/mykel-williams-defensive-line-potential/1853562/) some quotables about Williams recently.
Kris Kocurek sings Mykel Williams' praises
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Kocurek, whose responsibility will be developing the 49ers' top draft pick into a potent three-down player, didn't hold back on expressing what he's seeing out of the rookie during organized team activities.
"What we saw on college tape and all the information that we gathered in pre-draft process concerning him as a person, all the boxes have checked off so far," Kocurek told Chan. "His toughness, his love for the game, the skill set that we’ve seen on tape, the skill set that his coaches at Georgia explained that he had in his body, a lot of the boxes have checked so far."
The general consensus on Williams is he's already a quality edge-setting run stopper who merely needs a little bit of refinement in the pass-rush department, although an ankle injury during his final collegiate season likely hindered his true impact and potential.
Assuming that's now mended, it's fair to think Williams' future is brighter than anticipated.
"So far so good," Kocurek added. "Really impressed with the kid, his love for the game, his toughness, his eagerness to learn. And then the skill set that backs that all up. Arrow is pointing up on all of that."
Kocurek also pointed out the limitations OTAs have, given there's no physical contact, tackling or use of pads. So, from that perspective, Williams isn't able to demonstrate his true prowess and violent impact in practices just yet.
However, as the venerable D-line coach pointed out, everything Williams could possibly do on the field up to this point is working out in a positive manner.
The Niners could hope for nothing less.
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