‘Imagine what he’ll look like in Year 5’: 49ers’ Trent Williams evaluates Nick Bosa

Trent Williams knows a thing or two about talented pass rushers. So when the San Francisco 49ers big-man who anchors the left side of the offensive line tells you that defensive end Nick Bosa is already one of the best in the league, the statement holds some weight.

Williams has been praising the second-year defensive end since arriving to the 49ers in April via a trade. He did so again during a conversation with Damon Bruce, Ray Ratto, and Matt Kolsky on 95.7 The Game on Wednesday night. Having practiced against Bosa all of training camp, the veteran tackle was asked where the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year ranks among pass rushers he's faced over his illustrious career.

"Literally, right now, as we speak, in his second year, he's already top five — and he's not number five — of guys who I've went up against and seen closely," Williams said. "I think he will continue to ascend, and I think he will definitely be the best, if not one of the top three best in this league for years to come.

"You already see it today. If he can do that in two years, imagine what he'll look like in Year 5. Imagine what he'll look like in Year 6 when he's been around, and there's nothing he hasn't seen before. I think it will be a terror, especially for offensive tackles.

"Luckily, he's in my locker room, and I can practice with him as opposed to having to try to figure out a way to stop him on Sunday."


What makes Bosa so good? Is it the speed, the power, or the hands? Williams feels it's the perfect combination of all those traits that makes the second-year defender an elite pass rusher and someone who is so difficult to block, even for a seasoned veteran who has seen it all in the NFL.

"When you've got a guy that's that good, it's a little bit of everything," Williams continued. "You don't get that good by doing just one thing, by just having good hands or just by being fast or just by being strong. I think it takes a combination of all three. And I think that's what we're looking at with 97.

"He has the total package. He has the speed, he has the quickness, he has the power, and most of all, he has the hands, which are elite. I think that's why you see him having so much success every Sunday."

You can listen to the entire conversation with Williams below.