Ranking 49ers 10 most important players entering 2022

No. 4: 49ers Offensive Tackle Trent Williams

Next up on this list is another 49ers player who is the best in the NFL at his position, offensive tackle Trent Williams. As Williams just became the first offensive lineman ever to receive a 99 rating in Madden, his status as the NFL’s best offensive tackle isn’t in doubt.

In case you haven’t seen The Blindside, an offensive tackle, particularly the left tackle, is one of the most important players on a team because he protects the quarterback’s most vulnerable side from opposing pass rushers. Williams’ prowess allowed Jimmy Garoppolo, and now Trey Lance, clean pockets to throw from, buying precious seconds as routes developed downfield.

Of course, Williams does so much more than that for this Niners team, due to Kyle Shanahan’s preference for using his best players in as many creative ways as possible.

https://twitter.com/nfl/status/1485076000077533187

Shanahan showed love for putting Williams into motion, running the ball behind him for various gains. Williams even lined up at fullback various times in the playoffs. I, personally, am convinced Shanahan will one day hand him the ball, but for now, he has used Williams to manhandle defenders all over the field.

Williams’ dominance at the position, combined with the creative ways he can be deployed across the formation, makes him easily one of San Francisco’s five most important players.