Of those listed, Georgia’s Mykel Williams is less about external factors and far more about what he does for himself.
The Bulldogs are matched up Saturday against another nationally ranked team in the Clemson Tigers. Furthermore, Williams will likely get some reps against Clemson’s standout right tackle Blake Miller.
However, the defender’s performance is more about how Williams transitions to a full-time role on the edge than the circumstances in which he’s placed. Everyone wants to play well against good competition. Williams is likely to do an outstanding job against the run, with the kid of explosivity and power to make NFL scouts drool.
The question is whether he can be a dangerous professional pass-rusher when bending the corner and making life miserable on offensive tackles.
Prior to this season, Williams was featured heavily in a 4i (inside shoulder of the tackle) role. But his physical traits scream elite edge-defender. He’s now in that role and the weekend’s contest is his first test while every evaluator waits and watches.
Williams is already an NFL-caliber run stopper. The 6’5″, 265-pound defender uses his length and power quite well. He’s not necessarily as explosive or comfortable when asked to harass opposing quarterback. If the latter changes, Williams won’t just be in the first-round mix; he may work himself into No. 1 overall consideration.