San Francisco 49ers tackle Trent Williams has never had to block Nick Bosa in a game. He feels bad for those who take on that task. Going against the third-year defensive end in practice is enough of a challenge for the eight-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman.
Bosa has 15 sacks this season, just 4.5 shy of matching the 49ers single-season franchise record of 19.5 set by Aldon Smith in 2012. The young pass rusher has three more games to match or surpass that mark. Whether that occurs or not, Williams made it clear on Tuesday that he already holds Bosa in high esteem.
"You're dealing with everything [when you face Bosa]," Williams told reporters. "You're dealing with a guy who — I try to stay out of these conversations because I have a bias opinion, but when you look at the NFL right now, who would you take over Nick Bosa? To me, I feel like he's probably playing some of the best football [of anyone] in the NFL right now from the edge position.
"I feel sorry for the offensive tackles. I really do. Because I've had full-speed reps against him, and we go one-on-one, and that's full speed. We're not taking it easy on each other. And he has the full array of everything you need. If you was to go into a lab and create a pass rusher, Nick Bosa would walk out. So, I think that's what makes him so hard to deal with.
"You talk about speed, you talk about quickness, you talk about power, and then you add on the technique and the skill—you put all that into one person, into a body that's able to do physically anything, you get a player like Nick Bosa. It sucks for the other team. I'm glad I ain't gotta deal with it."
Bosa has seen his share of un-penalized holds and chips from offensive linemen this season, making his sack total even more impressive. Imagine the numbers the defensive end would have if blockers weren't giving themselves an unfair advantage.
"Even chips, it don't really matter," Williams continued. "He doesn't stop. His motor is unbelievable. I feel that he is the best in the game at this point."
Williams again admitted that he may be biased, but pointed out that it was him saying that Bosa looked even better than he was pre-injury, and most felt Williams was just talking up his teammate.
"It's kind of starting to unfold right before our eyes," Williams added.
While Williams hasn't played against Nick Bosa, he has played against his brother, Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Chargers.
"I played a full game against him," Williams said. "... Don't get me wrong. It's not a huge difference between the two of them, but I feel like, as compact as Nick is, it makes his power a little bit more dynamic, and it makes his quickness, it's that [much] more effective when it's more compact, as opposed to a guy that's an inch taller.
"... I feel like Nick has a perfect frame where he can play fast, he can play powerful, he can play quick, he can beat you with speed, he can beat you with hands. He can beat you in any type of way he pleases. That's why I give a nod towards Nick [over Joey]."