Predicting who receives 49ers player awards for 2022 season

49ers MVP: Trent Williams

Yes, it would have been cool to list Trey Lance as the 49ers’ No. 1 overall player this season. And that certainly is in play, provided Lance takes that next-level leap after waiting a full year to get his chance as a full-time starter.

However, Lance is likely to experience some growing pains in his second year at the pro level. Despite whatever hype and prowess he shows, there’ll likely be some notable areas for improvement once 2022 draws to a close.

There isn’t exactly any areas of improvement needed for perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, who easily could have been the Niners’ MVP last season if it weren’t for Deebo Samuel.

It’s not hard to find Williams listed atop every ranking of offensive linemen heading into 2022, and the Pro Football Focus breakdown below is just one such example:

Considering there are plenty of top-quality offensive tackles out there, seeing Williams in this spot is certainly noteworthy, and Lance can take a lot of comforts knowing the left side of San Francisco’s offensive line is all but locked down with Williams in that spot.

If only the rest of the 49ers O-line had such certainty.

Regardless, look for Williams to continue being his dominant self atop the Niners’ list of best players this season.