According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, "ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches, and scouts to help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions, from quarterback to cornerback and all positions in between." Those executives, coaches, and scouts have named Williams the top tackle in the NFL. The 35-year-old tackle ranked number one on this list for the last three years, as well.
Fowler wrote, "The back-to-back-to-back-to-back winner is playing like he's 25, leading all tackles with a 95.8 pass block win rate in Year 13." Williams is an elite pass blocker, but he is a dominant run blocker, as well. Whenever the 49ers need to gain yardage on the ground, they often run to the left behind Williams.
Fowler quoted an NFL coordinator, who, speaking of Williams, said, "Does it all at a high level, still. Protection, run game, second-level stuff downfield -- no weakness in his game and I haven't seen the skill set diminish."
Williams' skills have not diminished, but as he gets older, health is an issue, at times. In 2023, Williams missed two games. In 2022, he missed three games. That's not very many missed games for an NFL offensive lineman. Williams is as tough as they come. But the contrast is stark between him and any player who backs him up.
Williams is the best in the business, and by far, the best offensive lineman the 49ers have. The 49ers do not currently have a backup tackle who could effectively replace Williams if he goes down. So the 49ers need him to stay healthy.
Williams is entering his 14th NFL season, and fifth with the 49ers.
Written By:
Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
Find the 49ers Camelot show wherever you listen to your podcasts!
All articles by Marc Adams
Marc Adams
Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
Find the 49ers Camelot show wherever you listen to your podcasts!
All articles by Marc Adams
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers still ranked top trade suitor for Maxx Crosby
The San Francisco 49ers could still benefit from adding a proven veteran pass rusher after finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season. While there's no indication that the Las Vegas Raiders are actively shopping defensive end Maxx Crosby, there was previously a deal in... -
ESPN ranks 49ers' offensive playmakers among NFL's top five
On paper, the San Francisco 49ers may trail the Los Angeles Rams in overall roster talent, with many viewing the Rams as the early favorite to win Super Bowl LXI. However, when it comes to offensive playmakers, head coach Kyle Shanahan's roster still ranks among the NFL's... -
49ers named potential trade fit for 5-time Pro Bowl cornerback
It seems like nearly every NFL trade rumor eventually involves the San Francisco 49ers. After all, the team is looking to keep pace with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks in what could be the NFL's toughest division. Most speculation has centered on the 49ers adding... -
49ers named best landing spot for veteran pass rusher Kyle Van Noy
The San Francisco 49ers finished with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season, a disappointing total largely influenced by the season-ending ACL injury to star pass rusher Nick Bosa. The team also lost first-round rookie defensive lineman Mykel Williams to a torn ACL before he could...