The 49ers already pulled off a heist when they acquired Trent Williams on Day 3 of the 2020 NFL draft for a 2020 fifth-round pick and a 2021 third-round selection. His play last season showed he was still one of the top two left tackles in the game according to a list put together by the NFL Wire’s Doug Farrar, and that could wind up paying off more in 2021 than it did last year.
While San Francisco aims to shore up its offensive front, there was a small question mark about whether Williams could return to the elite tier he resided in before missing all of 2019 due in part to a cancerous growth on his skull. He answered that question and then some with a dominant 2020 showing.
From Farrar:
Williams allowed three sacks in his first four games back in action, but gave up just one after that, along with three quarterback hits and nine quarterback hurries from Week 5 on. Williams has been a superlative pass-protector for years, but what sets him apart is his movement skills and commitment to demolition in the open field.
That ability to get out and run block may be key in unlocking rookie quarterback Trey Lance whenever he becomes the starter. Keeping the young signal caller upright will be crucial, but Williams’ movement gives the 49ers an added layer of deception that can be essential in getting defenses off balance.
San Francisco struggled through injury issues last year and Williams’ stellar play went for naught in a 5-11 season in which they started three different quarterbacks, and ran through a slew of different skill position players.
Now they’re aiming to get back on track in 2021 while they simultaneously develop a rookie signal caller. Williams had a chance last year to show he’s still one of the two best left tackles in the NFL. This year will be his chance to show just how impactful he can be.
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