After selecting defensive lineman Mykel Williams, 49ers General Manager John Lynch admitted that the team experienced some tense moments before finally landing the 11th overall pick.

Lynch revealed that San Francisco had attempted to trade up in the draft, but those efforts didn’t materialize. Despite that, the 49ers ultimately secured the player they had targeted all along.

“The tape speaks for itself,” Lynch said, according to a team transcript. “Mykel is an impressive prospect in every sense — he’s tall, long, athletic, tough, smart, and extremely versatile. He can line up both outside and inside, and he excels at both. His toughness really stood out — he played through a high-ankle sprain last season, missed only two games, and still performed at a high level. He came in for a 30 visit, and we got a great sense of who he is.”

“All of those qualities made it clear that he fits our identity and culture. When he was still available, we didn’t hesitate.”

Lynch also emphasized Williams’ potential.

“He’s a powerful pass rusher with enough athleticism to make quick moves. He’s particularly effective in stunt schemes, and for a guy his size, he changes direction exceptionally well — something many big linemen struggle with when quarterbacks step up in the pocket. He has all the tools. Now it’s about putting it all together, and we’re excited to help him do that.”

Williams was a two-time second-team All-SEC selection at Georgia, where he tallied 21.0 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss across 40 games.