Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players Who Exceeded Expectations in 2015

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Nose Tackle Ian Williams

2015 Statistics

The 49ers finally got a full year of production out of nose tackle Ian Williams in 2015, and the defensive lineman did not disappoint.

Williams finished with a career-best 45 tackles, one recovered forced fumble and a plus-25.4 rating, according to Pro Football Focus — highest overall grade of all 49ers defenders.

A free agent this offseason, Williams will be one of the more notable offseason priorities for San Francisco’s front office. Given the questions throughout the entire roster, the 49ers will look to make him a top re-sign target in advance of the 2016 season.

And Williams wants to stay, per Joe Fann of 49ers.com.

“I would love to,” he said when asked if he’d like to be back in San Francisco. “This is where I’ve been. This is where I know guys on the team. This is where I’m comfortable at. I would love to be back.”

Williams has been a key component to the 49ers’ abilities versus the run this season. Statistically not great in 2015, San Francisco’s run defense will likely be a core unit around which the team will focus this offseason.

The 49ers need to make Williams a priority in the free-agent market.

Next: Arik Armstead