Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 10 players halfway through 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball after a catch against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball after a catch against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – OCTOBER 15: K’Waun Williams #24 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a defensive stop during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – OCTOBER 15: K’Waun Williams #24 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a defensive stop during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

42. . Cornerback. . K'Waun Williams. 8. team

You know who has quietly put in a good season this year? Nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams.

The 49ers secondary has had all kinds of problems this year, especially the boundary spot opposite No. 1 cornerback Richard Sherman. But Williams hasn’t been the liability.

According to Pro Football Focus, Williams has been targeted 29 times and has allowed 20 receptions with an average of 12.9 yards per completion. That number is actually better than the 15.9 yards per reception Sherman has averaged, which has taken place on nine fewer targets.

Granted, Williams hasn’t exactly done much of anything special. His 25 tackles ranks sixth on the defense, and he has zero interceptions with only four passes defended.

Still, it’s always notable to point out a player who is discouraging opponents’ quarterbacks from targeting him in coverage.

So, by averaging just over three targets per game this season so far, one has to say Williams has quietly gone about doing his job well.