Last year, Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller said that San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Brown was the best right tackle in the NFL, according to Eric Branch of sfgate.com.
"He's the best right tackle in the National Football League," Miller said last year after the first of two joint practices with the 49ers. "And he may even be a top-five tackle, period, in the National Football League. There's not another tackle who's that tall, that big and can move the way he moves."
Miller added that Brown was at a well-attended "Pass Rush Summitt" at Stanford University in June of 2017. Oakland Raiders pass-rusher Khalil Mack and Atlanta Falcons pass-rusher Vic Beasley were also in attendance. Beasley had just finished leading the NFL in sacks in 2016 and Brown was the only offensive lineman at the summit.
Miller reiterated his point of view on Brown saying, "Just so he could soak in some of the information that we got. And, from my point of view, we could get it from a premier offensive tackle point of view."
And on Thursday, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan shared his praise for the budding tackle:
Kyle Shanahan with huge praise of Trent Brown:
"He's the best pass protection tackle I've ever seen in my life."
Added that Brown has to prove consistency, which has lacked at times.
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) March 1, 2018
Much speculation has surrounded the 49ers tackle and his chances at a contract extension. 49ers backup tackle Gary Gilliam received a two-year contract extension on Tuesday, adding to some of the speculation. Many feel that based on talent, Brown should receive a new contract. Some feel that his inconsistencies should prevent such a move by the 49ers.
Ultimately, this decision is up to San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch. On Wednesday, Lynch gave his thoughts after being asked about the speculation surrounding Brown.
"Well, I would say I thought he made great strides last year. I really did," Lynch said. "It's just the reality, when you're that big of a man, certain things are going to be a little tougher. He's a huge man, which is also a great strength for him. He's a unique talent.
"I think he really responded and answered the call of what was being asked of him well. It wasn't perfect, and there are some things that he's always going to deal with, but I was proud of him. Unfortunately, it ended with an injury, but I feel like with Trent we've got a special talent at that position."
Currently, Brown is recovering from shoulder surgery that was initially supposed to keep the 49ers tackle out 5-6 months. Brown is said to be ahead of schedule, according to the Sacramento Bee and Niners Wire. With quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo under contract, the 49ers have options to keep Brown. Without extending Brown, the franchise and transition tags would be tools the 49ers could use.
Lynch also gave his thoughts on extending Brown.
"I think there's more pressing things right now," Lynch said. "That's not to say that that couldn't happen in the future, but right now there's some other things that are more pressing. We still have Trent for another year under contract. We're pleased to have him."
The 6-8, 355-pound offensive tackle will turn 25 in April and has started all 26 games played during the past two seasons. After starting all 16 games in 2016, Brown missed the 49ers final three games of 2017 with the same shoulder injury that forced his surgery. Brown was placed on injured reserve on December 15, 2017.