5 dark-horse 49ers who could slip into Pro Bowl voting in 2022

49ers Dark-Horse Pro Bowler No. 1: Left Guard Laken Tomlinson

Trent Williams is, without any sort of question, the 49ers’ best offensive lineman by a long shot.

However, one should also point out just how great the player lined up next to him, left guard Laken Tomlinson, has been this season.

Tomlinson, who hasn’t missed a start since acquired by the Niners early in the 2017 season, has been the model of consistency. Not necessarily flashy and lacking the name recognition Williams has, Tomlinson has nevertheless been just as big a reason why the left side of San Francisco’s offensive line is a massive strength, both in the run game and in pass protection.

Speaking of Tomlinson’s pass-protecting efforts, he’s received only a 71.4 overall Pro Football Focus grade, which is something of a surprise. But of all guards who have played at least 50 percent of offensive snaps this year, he’s one of only seven who haven’t given up a sack.

That’s pretty elite-level production.

Tomlinson, like Jimmie Ward, is a veteran who hasn’t earned a Pro Bowl nod yet in his career, but that certainly doesn’t mean he isn’t deserving.

And while Pro Bowl fan voting has officially closed, with those opening rosters announced on Monday, Dec. 20, there should be some strong consideration for Tomlinson as an alternate if he doesn’t get in outright.