The San Francisco 49ers began OTAs this week, and one of the most promising storylines to emerge is the early development of first-round pick Mykel Williams.
The 20-year-old edge rusher from Georgia has already made a strong impression, both through his on-field talent and his mentorship under former Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa.
Mykel Williams Credits Nick Bosa for Accelerated Early Development with 49ers
Williams recently appeared on the Up & Adams Show, where he detailed the impact Bosa has had in just a short time.
“Learning from Bosa has helped me tremendously,” he said. “He’s a great teammate, just telling me a list of stuff about angles and timing and hands.”
For ͏a rookie who has been with the 49ers for barely a month, the benefits of learning from a premier edge rusher are already evident. Williams has shown explosive ͏bursts and technical refinement͏ ͏at OTA͏s, reinforcing ͏why the 4͏9ers͏ ͏selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft͏.
Playing͏ across from Bosa ͏has also eased the pressure, allowing ͏Williams to focus on development ͏without being the center of attention.
Mykel Williams says Nick Bosa’s mentorship is elevating his game—and Robert Saleh’s system “allows me to play to my strengths.”@heykayadams | @MykelWilliams_ | @PaniniAmerica pic.twitter.com/q0BgEsX8je
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 27, 2025
Given past questions about his leadership style, Bosa’s mentorship has also been notable. However, his immediate involvement with Williams suggests a different narrative.
“He really been adding to my game,” Williams emphasized. That level of influence in such a short period is telling.
Williams is also thriving under the 49ers’ defensive scheme, led by coordinator Robert Saleh. The rookie made it clear that the system suits him well.
“It’s been great, man,” Williams said. “Playing for Saleh in his scheme, in his system where he gives us so much freedom to be a natural talent and go do what we’re supposed to do… It allows me to go be the pass rusher and the run stopper that I can be. It allows me to play to my strengths. I just thank Saleh for having this scheme and this system.”
These early signs of success reflect a supportive and productive environment. Williams is benefiting from both an elite veteran in Bosa and a defensive play-caller who encourages natural instincts.
For the 49ers, this represents a significant shift from last offseason, where energy and optimism weren’t as high. This year, with Williams’ progression already drawing praise from teammates and coaches, the defense may be on track to reach new heights.