Golden Nuggets: 49ers’ Trent Williams is an athletic freak

When the San Francisco 49ers traded two draft picks to the Washington Redskins for All-Pro offensive tackle Trent Williams, everyone knew they were getting a monster.

General manager John Lynch was behind the eight ball when he found out Niners legend Joe Staley was retiring, but he came was able to snag one of the best offensive lineman in the game as his replacement.

Williams sat out the 2019 season, citing how Washington handled his cancer scare and contract extension for his reasons for wanting out of the organization.

There is some concern over trading for a player who missed an entire year of football. Couple that with the COVID-19 outbreak likely delaying OTAs and possibly training camp, the 31-year-old will have to put in work to get back into game shape.

If the video KNBR’s Mark Willard posted to Twitter is any indication, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Just a reminder that Williams is 6’5, and 320 pounds. If I tried to squat 585 pounds, my hamstrings, quads and calves would rip in half, rendering my legs useless.

Staley was a perennial Pro Bowl level player, but given his age, it is hard not to think San Francisco upgraded the position going into the next few seasons.

Williams is a seven-time Pro Bowler whose ability to make blocks at the second level is amongst the best in the NFL. He is a mauler, who will fit in seamlessly with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system.

There are some concerns surrounding Williams’ durability. He has only played 16 games twice since being drafted in 2010. Hopefully he doesn’t miss anytime during the 2020 season, but if he does, the 49ers have some depth at the position.

Daniel Brunskill and Justin Skule filled in when San Francisco lost Staley and right tackle Mike McGlinchey to injuries last year.

I am excited to see what Williams brings to a team with Super Bowl aspirations. If Williams’ Twitter page is any indication, he is thrilled to be a Niner.

Do you think Williams is an upgrade over Staley heading into the 2020 season?

Onto some more links:

Staley met with the media earlier in the week to discuss his career and retirement. During the availability, the big man shared why he has such a special bond with another Niners legend, Frank Gore. (NBC Bay Area)

The Niners strength is their defensive line. The SF Chronicle’s Eric Branch looks at how the San Francisco unit matches up against its NFC West rivals.

The Los Angeles Rams have fallen off since their 2019 Super Bowl appearance. After bleeding talent this offseason, Yahoo! Sports looks at how the Rams stack up against the rest of the NFC West.

The 2020 NFL Draft will hopefully the first and last time the event will be held virtually. Although we didn’t have too many glitches during the broadcast, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan’s WiFi cut out just before things got started. (NBC Bay Area)

The coronavirus has basically the entire world shutdown right now. With schools closed, the 49ers are doing their part by creating a digital learning platform. (ABC7)