Trent Williams will be 36 years old during the 2024 NFL season, but he is still the best offensive tackle in the league.
At least according to the NFL’s executives, coaches and scouts.
On Sunday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler relayed the results of his publication’s survey that asked some of the top minds in the game to rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions. The San Francisco 49ers’ veteran leader checked in at No. 1 among all offensive tackles:
- Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers
- Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions
- Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans
- Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles
- Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings
- Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles
- Andrew Thomas, New York Giants
- Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers
- Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens
At this point, Williams continues to amaze.
His resume includes 11 Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro nods, and he added to each tally last season while helping lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl. He and San Francisco also defeated the second-best offensive tackle on this list in last season’s NFC Championship Game.
“Does it all at a high level, still,” an NFL coordinator said. “Protection, run game, second-level stuff downfield—no weakness in his game, and I haven’t seen the skill set diminish.”
Williams may hold the crown for now, but Detroit’s Penei Sewell seems well on his way to establishing himself as the top player at his position down the line.
The 23-year-old was a Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro last season and a major reason why the Lions were just one win away from the Super Bowl. Detroit rewarded him with a massive contract this offseason, and he figures to be an anchor along the offensive front for years as the team attempts to win its first Super Bowl title.
Sewell and Williams headline a list largely dominated by NFC offensive tackles with seven of the top eight residing in the conference.
Laremy Tunsil is the lone exception after he helped the Houston Texans win the AFC South and reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2019 campaign. He provides critical protection for C.J. Stroud and will be an important part of the team’s effort to take the next step and go from a playoff team to a potential Super Bowl contender.
Perhaps a matchup against Williams or Sewell will be waiting for him if he reaches the Super Bowl.