49ers training camp: 3 best stories from first two weeks

No. 2: Nick Bosa vs. Trent Williams

We knew this was going to be an exciting training camp matchup: EDGE Nick Bosa going up against perennial Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams.

So far, it’s been just as advertised.

Few offensive linemen were able to regularly stop the 2019 Defensive Rookie of the Year last season, although Williams has done more than his fair share of frustrating the rookie in one-on-one and 11-on-11 pass-rushing reps.

But it’s not a knock against Bosa. If anything, it’s an endorsement for both players. Even Williams is singing Bosa’s praises (h/t Nick Wagoner of ESPN):

"He’s better than I even thought he was — and I already knew he was top three, four in the game. But just going up against him every day, seeing how smart he is, seeing how hard he works and just seeing how seriously he takes the game, I honestly see his trajectory as being one of the best in the game."

Bosa was equally praising of Williams, too:

"For me, going against Trent, it’s just trying to win whatever way I can. I try to split them. At least split them — one win, one loss; that’s what I hope for. You’re not gonna beat Trent clean very often, so getting a clean win on him is a good feeling."

The good news for the 49ers? They’ll know the best edge rushers will continue to have trouble with Williams, and they’ll also know few teams boast left tackles anywhere close to the caliber of Williams.