Patrick Willis with some love for Ian Williams, Tank Carradine

The San Francisco 49ers do not begin their workout program until April, but in the meantime, players are working out on their own at the Santa Clara facility. The players are not allowed to work with the coaching staff, but strength and conditioning coaches can keep an eye on them to make sure they don't hurt themselves.

Patrick Willis would appear to be in town continuing his rehab process, and he got in some work with nose tackle Ian Williams and defensive tackle Tank Carradine. He posted this short video, and opens by saying, "Here I am with the fellas I'm gonna need most this year..." Willis is a great linebacker, but it certainly helps having a strong defensive line to clear some bodies so he can penetrate the backfield. He's no dummy, and he knows he's going to need big things from them next season, particularly if Justin Smith retires.

It don't matter how strong or fast or big I am without these boys I can't do my job the best of my abilities. I appreciate there work ethics..... #alwaysbelieve #humblebuthungry @iwilliams93 @tank.carradine

A video posted by Patrick Willis (@patricklwillis) on Feb 2, 2015 at 1:32pm PST