The San Francisco 49ers haven’t been to another Super Bowl since that 2019 run. And last season, injuries turned the whole thing into a mess. But check the roster and it’s still loaded. Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle get most of the headlines. That makes sense. But the guy keeping the whole operation clean on the blind side is Trent Williams. And at 37, he’s still elite.
Sports Illustrated analyst Gilberto Manzano put together his ranking of the top five offensive tackle duos in the NFL. Williams and right tackle Colton McKivitz landed at No. 1. That’s a hell of a nod for a 49ers line that’s been patched together more than once over the last couple years.
Why this duo stands above the rest
Manzano pointed out that Williams is the best left tackle in the league playing in what he called the most productive scheme for offensive linemen. The combo of Williams’s physical gifts and Kyle Shanahan’s system creates flexibility most teams don’t have. Since Williams arrived from Washington in 2020, the 49ers have been able to run basically whatever they want up front.
But here’s the thing about that ranking. McKivitz isn’t just along for the ride. He’s started every game since 2023. For a team that’s been absolutely wrecked by injuries — especially on the line — that kind of durability matters. Manzano noted that McKivitz proved his worth by staying on the field while guys around him kept dropping. Williams has had his own injury history, but he stayed healthy for most of 2025.
The stakes for San Francisco’s season
The NFC West might be the toughest division in football right now. The Seahawks are the defending champs. The Rams are always dangerous. The 49ers need both tackles healthy to have a real shot. If they are, this team has the kind of talent that can make a January run. That’s not hype. That’s just the reality of what a healthy Williams and McKivitz can do for a Shanahan offense.
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