SANTA CLARA -- Prior to being drafted by the 49ers, Mykel Williams never had taken advantage of workshopping with an offensive lineman.
Now that the first-round NFL draft pick practices regularly across from left tackle Trent Williams, that has changed, and Williams is looking forward to seeing the rookie in action.
"What I've seen from him, I just can't wait to see him hit another color jersey," Trent Williams said. "I think he's a really interesting prospect. He can play the edge and play the inside, and that's kind of rare to see someone play that at a high level."
The younger Williams missed the team's preseason games but has been following in defensive end Nick Bosa's footsteps by taking advantage of playing across from the All-Pro left tackle.
"That's something I definitely missed," Mykel said of the preseason. "But I feel like I get good work here as well going against guys like Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz. So I'm not really missing too much work, but that's something I definitely missed and wish I got to."
The 49ers coaching staff will need Mykel to contribute on the field, potentially across the line, to assist a new linebacker combination behind them. The defensive line also could be lined up with a five-man front in order to improve their play against the run, which clearly was challenged in 2024.
Without any game reps during the preseason, the 49ers No. 11 overall pick is an unknown quantity, with very well-known expectations.
"It will be interesting to see if his production matched up to the promise," Trent said. "Because I think the faith he instilled in this locker room, and how we think he will play, it's a consensus. I'm hoping and praying it works out the way everyone thinks it will."
The rookie is excited about his opportunity, and is ready to hit the field for the first time when the 49ers travel to Seattle to kick off the 2025 season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Lumen Field.
"I feel like the 49ers organization has prepared me for this moment to go out there and do my thing," Mykel said. "So I'm ready to do that."