San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive finish Mykel Williams is off to a promising begin. Nonetheless, they want a bit extra from the Georgia product after receiving dangerous Nick Bosa information on Monday.
Bosa suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s 16-15 house win over the Arizona Cardinals. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan believed the DE prevented an ACL tear, however a take a look at revealed in any other case. He’ll now want season-ending surgical procedure, through ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
How Bosa’s harm impacts 49ers’ protection
Bosa, 27, is the 49ers’ greatest defensive participant. The previous Ohio State star gained Defensive Participant of the Yr in the course of the 2022 season.
The five-time Professional Bowler was off to a different quick begin in 2025. By way of three video games, he was tied with DE Bryce Huff for the group lead in sacks (two) and ranked fourth in whole tackles (17).
What can Williams do to make up for the lack of Bosa?
Williams — the eleventh decide of the 2025 NFL Draft — has primarily served as a run-stopper for the Niners. By way of three video games, the DE has logged three stuffs. (A stuff is a deal with on a run play for no achieve or damaging yardage.)
The 2022 nationwide champion hasn’t proven a lot within the pass-rushing division, although. He has but to report a sack. Per Pro Football Focus, Williams has simply 5 pressures on 130 snaps. Nonetheless, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh believes this ability will emerge in due time.
“He will make his dwelling, at the least whereas we’re right here, being a first- and second-down run defender on the surface after which speeding the passer on the within,” Saleh told the media after a Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks. “We expect he can rush the passer outdoors, too, however we additionally assume that he may be an elite inside pass-rusher, which may be very laborious to search out. These guys are uncommon. Much more uncommon than an edge man.”
The most effective inside pass-rushers within the NFL is Kansas Metropolis Chiefs defensive deal with Chris Jones, a six-time Professional Bowler. If Williams turns into an analogous participant, that may undoubtedly assist the 49ers (3-0) handle whereas Bosa recovers. And it could make their protection much more formidable when he returns subsequent season.
