Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer recently opened his mailbag to answer questions from fans, including one asking who he believes will win Rookie of the Year honors for the 2025 season.
For Offensive Rookie of the Year, Breer chose Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton. On the defensive side, he picked New York Giants pass rusher Abdul Carter. However, he also noted that San Francisco 49ers defensive end Mykel Williams shouldn't be overlooked for the award.
"On defense, I'm very tempted to go with San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Mykel Williams, whom I suspect always had first-pick-type freakish ability hidden by injury last year," Breer wrote.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has admitted to being impressed with Williams early on, even before discovering that the talented pass rusher had been playing through an ankle injury during the 2024 season.
Williams participated in the 49ers' rookie minicamp last week. After being selected with the 11th overall pick, he told reporters that he's now fully recovered from last season's setback.
"Right now, I'm 100% healthy, though, and I've been working out and moving on it like normal," Williams said.
Breer believes Williams will benefit from playing in a defense led by Robert Saleh, who is aiming to restore the unit's trademark physical and aggressive style from his previous stint as the team's coordinator.
"He'll be playing opposite Nick Bosa in a hyper-aggressive scheme," Breer added, "so it wouldn't stun me if he rings up a dozen sacks."
H/t to Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated for the find.
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