Trent Williams: The Rise of a Dominant Left Tackle
Trent Williams, a seasoned NFL player, had his potential held back during his early years with the dysfunctional organization in Washington. However, after sitting out the 2019 season due to frustration, Williams’ career took a turn for the better when he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. With his arrival in the Bay Area, Williams quickly established himself as the premier left tackle in football.
In recognition of his outstanding performance over the past three seasons, Williams was named the top offensive lineman in the league by The Associated Press. A panel of nine AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players on the offensive line based on their current status entering the 2023 season. Williams secured seven of the nine first-place votes, solidifying his position as the deserving winner.
Philadelphia Eagles’ right tackle, Lane Johnson, received one of the other first-place votes and came in second in the ranking. Johnson was the only other player selected on all nine ballots, showcasing his consistency and skill. Dallas Cowboys’ guard, Zack Martin, secured the remaining first-place vote and claimed the third spot in the rankings. Jason Kelce, Johnson’s teammate on the Eagles and renowned center, followed as the fourth-ranked offensive lineman. Lastly, Cleveland Browns’ guard, Joel Bitonio, rounded out the top five.
The list of highly regarded offensive linemen also included Joe Thuney, Laremy Tunsil, Tristan Wirfs, Terron Armstead, Andrew Thomas, and Quenton Nelson, all of whom received votes for their exceptional skills.
Let’s take a closer look at the top five offensive linemen:
1. Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers: Williams had an impressive career in Washington, earning Pro Bowl selections for seven consecutive seasons. However, since joining the 49ers, he has elevated his game to new heights. With back-to-back All-Pro honors and a knack for delivering highlight-reel blocks, Williams has become a vital asset to the Niners’ dominant running game.
2. Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles: Johnson is the standard-bearer on the right side of the offensive line, just as Williams is on the left. He earned his first All-Pro recognition in 2017 when he helped the Eagles secure a Super Bowl victory. Last season, Johnson was once again an All-Pro, and according to Pro Football Focus, he allowed no sacks, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier tackle.
3. Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys: Martin burst onto the scene in 2014, earning All-Pro honors as a rookie. Throughout his nine-year career, he has consistently been regarded as one of the league’s best guards. With eight first or second-team All-Pro selections, Martin’s impressive track record places him among the elite at his position.
4. Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles: Despite his smaller stature, Kelce has had a tremendous impact as the anchor of the Eagles’ offensive line. With five first-team All-Pro selections in the last six seasons, Kelce’s ability to block in space compensates for his sub-300-pound frame. His versatility and athleticism make him an invaluable asset for Philadelphia.
5. Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns: Bitonio has proven himself as one of the league’s most consistent blockers. With second-team All-Pro honors for three consecutive seasons from 2018 to 2020, he further elevated his performance by securing first-team honors in the past two seasons. Bitonio’s reliability and skill make him a critical part of the Browns’ offensive line success.
As the 2023 season approaches, these top offensive linemen will undoubtedly continue to showcase their exceptional skills and serve as pillars of strength for their respective teams.
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