Trent Williams, a likely first-ballot Hall of Fame left tackle, had never made an All-Pro team before Friday.
How, exactly, that happened is unclear. Whether it was the result of playing for a mostly bad Washington franchise or just facing Joe Thomas every year, Williams had never made any of the Associated Press’ All-Pro first- or second teams despite nine-straight Pro Bowl nods.
That has been corrected, as the AP announced its All-Pro team, with Williams a near-unanimous vote. Per the AP, Williams received 46 of a possible 50 votes to make the team for the first time.
While offensive line play can often fly under the radar, Williams’ didn’t, as he racked up consistent highlights each week and was the highest-graded player ever in Pro Football Focus’ history with a 98.2 grade.
The other 49ers to get an All-Pro nod? Deebo Samuel, who is a legitimate offensive player of the year candidate.
Samuel finished the season with 1,845 all-purpose yards, the third-most in the NFL, and had eight rushing touchdowns, the most ever for a wide receiver, along with six receiving touchdowns. His 14 combined touchdowns were tied for seventh-most in the NFL this season and he edged out Justin Jefferson by one vote, securing 21 to Jefferson’s 20.