San Francisco 49ers: Expectations for the 5 Best Players in 2016 Season
By Peter Panacy
Nose Tackle Ian Williams
2015 PFF Grades
- Overall: plus-24.4
- Run Defense: plus-23.9
- Pass Rush: 0.0
- Pass Coverage: 0.0
Yes, nose tackle Ian Williams was the Niners’ best-rated player, according to PFF, for his efforts in 2015.
The plus-24.4 mark stood the highest out of anyone on the team’s 53-man roster a year ago, and the 49ers wanted to be certain they retained Williams’ services entering 2016. But a failed physical — the result of a lingering ankle injury and subsequent procedure — forced a long-term deal into a mere one-year contract.
Williams’ health has always been the major knock against his services. 2015 marked the first season in the 26-year-old defensive tackle’s five-year pro career in which he played all 16 regular-season games.
When healthy, Williams is one of the best run-stuffing defensive linemen upon which the Niners can count. But the key phrase is when he is healthy.
According to Matt Fitzgerald of Bleacher Report, Williams’ Week 1 status for the upcoming season is in doubt:
"Since the 49ers likely have a rebuilding season in 2016 anyway, there’s little reason to rush Williams back. His absence may also create more opportunities for last year’s first-round pick, Arik Armstead, to make an impact in the trenches. The bigger question, though, is who would take Williams’ place at the difficult position of nose tackle if he can’t go in Week 1. Ourlads.comlists Mike Purcell, a 2013 undrafted free agent out of Wyoming, as the next man up."
Fortunately, the 49ers now have amicable depth along the D-line in order to shore up any absence Williams may experience. Fellow defensive tackle Quinton Dial can play the nose position, which would allow rookie end DeForest Buckner to see an increased role his first year.
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Injuries and recovery will be the prime focus points for Williams in 2016. If he can stay healthy, there’s little reason to assume he won’t make a substantial impact for San Francisco’s defense.
It’s a contract year as well, so there will be added motivation for Williams to perform at the highest possible level in order to earn a long-term deal from San Francisco, or another team, in 2017.
Next: Projecting the 49ers 2016 53-Man Roster
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.