The San Francisco 49ers had a chance to bolster their struggling pass rush in free agency by signing Joey Bosa. Many believed Leonard Floyd's release signaled that Bosa was on his way to Santa Clara. Instead, Bosa joined the Buffalo Bills, leaving the 49ers to look toward the draft to address their depleted defensive line.
In his latest mock draft for CBS Sports, Josh Edwards projects the 49ers to select Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams with the 11th overall pick.
"Most assumed San Francisco would be the landing spot for Joey Bosa in free agency, but he signed with the Bills," Edwards wrote. "The 49ers still have a need for greater contributions opposite Nick Bosa."
Edwards believes Williams (6-5, 260) strongly fits that need. The defensive lineman notched five sacks in 2024 and recorded 26 pressures in each of the past two seasons, earning a Pro Football Focus defensive grade of at least 78.4 in both years. He has 85 total pressures over three collegiate seasons.
According to Sports Reference, Williams totaled 67 tackles (23 for a loss), 14 sacks, four passes defensed, and three forced fumbles during his time with the Bulldogs.
Williams also posted a career-high 82.9 run-defense grade in 2024, which could be appealing to a 49ers defense that ranked 28th with a 48.8 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus last season.
While the 49ers have other needs along the defensive line, Edwards believes targeting a pass rusher in the first round is the most logical move.
"They still need interior defensive line help, but it may be too rich at this point in the first round," he noted.