Williams, already considered a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, has little left to prove. However, after missing the final seven games of 2024 due to an ankle injury, his future remains a topic of discussion.
The good news for 49ers fans? Williams is healthy, motivated, and entering the 2025 season feeling better than ever.
"I feel good. I feel great, actually," Williams told reporters after Thursday's practice, the second of training camp. "I don't feel like a 37-year-old. Not sure what they supposed to feel like, but I feel a little younger."
Williams credits his longevity to a better understanding of how to care for his body over the years. While he admits he can't train like he did in his early 20s, his competitive fire hasn't dimmed.
"I love to compete," Williams said. "When I'm in that mode, with my cleats on the grass, to me, I feel like a rookie, just because of how I approach it and how I just love to play."
High praise for rookie Mykel Williams
Speaking of rookies, one player who has already caught Trent Williams' attention is defensive end Mykel Williams, the 49ers' first-round draft pick whom the veteran believes has the tools to become an NFL star.
"Mykel's a huge dude," Williams noted. "You generally don't see guys that size on the edge. It sucks having to base block guys with arms as long as your legs. I think he has a chance to be a really good player in this NFL. I think he has a chance to be dominant.
"He has the best coach in the league pushing him. You get to learn from some of the best guys to learn from—obviously [DE] Nick [Bosa]. I'm happy to see how he turns out. I think he's got all the tools to be an All-Pro."
When asked if Mykel Williams reminded him of anyone, Trent Williams gave a comparison sure to excite 49ers fans.
"Size-wise, he kind of puts you in the mind of a young DeForest Buckner," Williams said. "But obviously, he's a little more slight in the frame, can play the edge, can play outside, inside. So, in a sense, he does, but I think he has his own makeup that kind of makes him different as well.
"Like I said, he's an intriguing prospect. Just watching him for a few days, he looks promising, so just can't wait to see where he ends up."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Fred Warner discusses importance of beating Raiders, DeForest Buckner's return
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner understands what Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders means to fans, particularly those in the Bay Area. The Raiders played in Oakland before relocating to Las Vegas, creating a local rivalry between the two franchises and... -
49ers mailbag: What's the plan on the defensive line? Can DeForest Buckner make a difference? Should SF hold on to their 2027 draft picks?
Well, it didn't take long to shake things up. The biggest story surrounding the San Francisco 49ers so far this week is the trade for DeForest Buckner, bringing the veteran defensive tackle back to the team where he spent the first four seasons of his NFL career. Buckner was a... -
49ers players react to blockbuster DeForest Buckner trade
The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a blockbuster trade Tuesday afternoon, acquiring Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. The move reunites Buckner with the team that selected him with the seventh overall pick in... -
49ers reunite with DeForest Buckner in trade with Colts
Multiple reports say the San Francisco 49ers are acquiring Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, reuniting with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. In exchange, the 49ers will send Indianapolis a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. Reunion! The Colts are...