Published May 2, 2025 at 10:58 AM

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ESPN analyst Ben Solak has revealed his top picks for this season’s NFL Rookie of the Year honors on offense and defense. San Francisco 49ers first-round pick Mykel Williams leads the defensive list, followed closely by his former Georgia teammate, Jalon Walker, now with the Atlanta Falcons.

Solak attributes Williams and Walker’s high rankings to the opportunities they’re expected to receive early in their careers. He also points out that edge rushers have claimed Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in five of the last six seasons.

Williams is in a favorable position in San Francisco, needing only to outperform Yetur Gross-Matos and Drake Jackson to secure significant snaps opposite All-Pro pass rusher Nick Bosa. Solak also highlights that Williams will be coached by one of the best in the league.

“Williams will play under legendary defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, who will free him up to play faster off the line than he ever did at Georgia,” Solak commented.

Williams recorded 14 sacks and 85 total pressures during his three seasons at Georgia. While Solak may place him atop his rankings, Williams has the fourth-best odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, trailing Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, and Jihaad Campbell, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

Solak added, “Williams’ play style and role lends itself to a little more pass-rush production than Walker’s outlook, as we should expect Walker to spend some time dropping into coverage. As such, I give Williams the edge.”

Solak’s complete ranking:

Mykel Williams, Edge, San Francisco 49ers
Jalon Walker, Edge, Atlanta Falcons
Abdul Carter, Edge, New York Giants
Shemar Stewart, Edge, Cincinnati Bengals
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Buffalo Bills
Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns
Travis Hunter, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, DT, Cleveland Browns
James Pearce Jr., Edge, Atlanta Falcons
Walter Nolen, DT, Arizona Cardinals
Kenneth Grant, DT, Miami Dolphins
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Jahdae Barron, CB, Denver Broncos
Derrick Harmon, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
Tyleik Williams, DT, Detroit Lions
Malaki Starks, S, Baltimore Ravens

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