San Francisco 49ers: Season-End Awards for 2015

Defensive Player of the Year – Ian Williams

San Francisco’s No. 1 priority in terms of re-signing their own players in the offseason should be to ink nose tackle Ian Williams to a new deal.

Williams did not get Pro Bowl recognition for his performances in 2015, but you could certainly make the argument he was deserving of a trip to Hawaii.

The former undrafted free agent was the 49ers’ most consistent player on defense. Excellent against the run and surprisingly effective in getting pressure on the quarterback from his nose tackle spot, Williams – who was hampered by injuries in 2013 and 2014 – could hardly have done a better job in what was his first full season as a starter.

He was ranked at No. 9 in the league among all defensive and nose tackles by PFF and figures to be in for a big payday from the 49ers or another team should he hit the open market.

Next: Offensive Player of the Year