SANTA CLARA — Any list of the most effective players within the NFL would likely include quarterbacks, wide receivers and edge rushers near the highest.
But 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw believes he shares a locker room with the most effective player in skilled football. And he’s pondering of an offensive lineman.
Greenlaw on Monday made the case for left tackle Trent Williams as the most effective at what he does within the NFL.
“Trent’s the most effective player within the NFL,” Greenlaw said. “Needless to say. Little question.”
“It doesn’t matter who’s lined up against him, I got Trent Williams.”
Williams, 34, has been chosen to nine Pro Bowls in his 11 NFL seasons. After what’s widely considered his best season in 2021, Williams was chosen to his first All-Pro recognition.
“On any kind of out of doors run, Trent runs like a DB. You bought to make some decisions when Trent is coming at you. You bought to make some business decisions,” Greenlaw said with fun.
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Williams is listed at 6-foot-5, 320 kilos. Along with his obvious size and strength, he has a next-level knowledge of the sport. And Williams also possesses unique athleticism for a person of any size.
“It’s unbelievable,” Greenlaw said. “For somebody on the offensive line, you don’t really take a look at that and say, ‘Oh, he’s the most effective,’ but the way in which that he’s just an athlete. If he’s not the most effective player, he’s probably the greatest athletes. Especially for that size. It’s just ridiculous.”
