Former Georgia first-round pick under pressure to perform

Williams posted 20 tackles and one sack as a rookie with the 49ers, who need him to improve in Year 2 even though Williams is coming off a significant injury. San Francisco suffered an enormous amount of injuries on defense last season and needs to have a healthier 2026 season.

Pro Football Focus names Williams as one of their 10 second year players under the most pressure to perform. Williams is a former first-round pick, so he has high expectations. PFF’s Bradley Locker adds that San Francisco is hoping Williams will “boost a unit that placed 25th in PFF pass-rushing grade” last season.

The 49ers are counting on Williams to take on a larger role and to be available to play. Williams is a strong run defender and will be needed as San Francisco tries to battle in the NFC West, which is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.

Last season, San Francisco made the playoffs, but their injuries proved too much to overcome. The division rival Seattle Seahawks demolished the 49ers in the Divisional Round and beat the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship en route to a Super Bowl title.

Williams won’t be expected to be San Francisco’s top pass rusher. The 49ers are expected to rely on Nick Bosa in that regard, but Williams along with former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa will be needed a secondary pass rushers to take advantage of one-on-one matchups with opposing offensive linemen.

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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Former Georgia first-round pick under pressure to perform