Sports Illustrated Deems Picking Mykel Williams Bengals' Best-Case 2025 NFL Draft Scenario

The Bengals sit in the middle of the first round this year.

Former Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams runs a drill during UGA Footballs Pro Day in Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Representatives from all 32 NFL teams are on hand to watch former UGA football players in action. / Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — Edge rusher is a weak spot for the Bengals entering the 2025 NFL Draft. Sports Illustrated's Gilbert Manzano noted that need this week in his best-case scenario for Cincinnati: Landing Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams at Pick 17 to complement Trey Hendrickson.

"For starters, the Bengals can’t afford to lose Hendrickson, last year’s sack leader with 17.5," Manzano wrote. "They need to find a way to make it work and get him to report to training camp after messy contract negotiations that go back to last year. If they can do that, an ideal running mate for Hendrickson would be the 6'5", 265-pound edge player who showed plenty of flashes at Georgia. Williams played through a nagging ankle injury and still found a way to make an impact in 2024."

Williams is the consensus big board's 15th-best player and third-best edge rusher.

He could be a strong big-board steal at a premium position in the first round.

feed

For more on the Bengals, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and watch the video below as part of our in-depth coverage of the team:

Make sure you bookmark BengalsTalk.com for the latest Bengals news, exclusive interviews, insight, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Star Free-Agent Safety Justin Simmons Expresses Desire To Play For Bengals

Stat of the Jay: How Many Ohio State Players Have the Bengals Drafted, and Where Does That Rank Among All Teams?

Top 50 Prospect With Bengals Connection via Al Golden To Hold Positional Workout Days Before the NFL Draft

Film Breakdown: Alabama Linebacker Jihaad Campbell May be Perfect Fit in New-Look Cincinnati Bengals' Defense

North Dakota State Lineman Grey Zabel Official Contender to be Bengals First Round Pick in 2025 NFL Draft

Where Do All the Good Guards Come From, and Do the Bengals Need to Find One To Return to Postseason?

Zac Taylor, Bengals Tweaking Season On-Ramp To Avoid Slow Starts

Zac Taylor Updates Bengals Plan At Guard Entering NFL Draft Month

Stat of the Jay: Predicting the Bengals' Preseason Opponents as Others Announce Joint Practices

Mock Draft 1.0: Cincinnati Bengals Add Instant Impact Players, Bolster Key Weaknesses

Look: Zac Taylor at NFL League Meetings, Takes Annual Photo With Head Coaches

Look: Complete List of Cincinnati Bengals' Selections in 2025 NFL Draft

Look: Contract Details For Tee Higgins New Extension With Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals Bringing in Free Agent Guard Lucas Patrick for Visit

Look: Contract Details For Ja'Marr Chase's BIG Extension With Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals Film Breakdown: What T.J. Slaton and Oren Burks Add to Defense

Look: NFL General Manager Explains LONG-TERM Impact of Bengals' Contracts With Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins

Danielle Hunter's New Contract Could Impact Trey Hendrickson's Future With Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Free Agent Breakdown: The Many Hats of a Modern Nose Tackle With T.J. Slaton

Cincinnati Bengals Veteran Named to NFLPA Executive Committee

Bengals Must Sign Two Starting Guards and Improve Pass Rush in Free Agency, Even if They Re-Sign Their Stars

Ja'Marr Chase's Trainer Hints at New Contract With Bengals: 'Earned Every Penny!'

Report: 'Nothing Imminent' With Trey Hendrickson's Bengals Contract, Trade Talks

'Praying They Keep That Special Guy' - Joseph Ossai Wants Bengals to Retain Trey Hendrickson

Don't Call It a Prove-It: Bengals Defensive End Joseph Ossai Details Why He Signed a One-Year Deal To Come Back

Report: Bengals Free-Agent Guard Target Teven Jenkins Visiting Seattle Seahawks Next Week

Former Bengals Defensive Tackle Jay Tufele Signs With New York Jets

Watch: Top Draft Prospect Luther Burden Picks Joe Burrow to Catch Passes From Above Other NFL Stars

CBS Sports Gives Bengals Mediocre Grade Following First Few Days of 2025 NFL Free Agency

Look: Bengals Earn Incomplete Grade From Yahoo! For 2025 Free Agency Haul Thus Far

'Everybody Around The League Knows That's Me' - T.J. Slaton Highlights Key Role He Expects To Fill With Bengals

'I've Always Wanted To Come Back' - Samaje Perine Discusses Return To Cincinnati, Role He Expects To Play

-----

Join the 46,000+ Bengals fans who subscribe to us on YouTube.

Follow us on Twitter: @BengalsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok