Trent Williams Offensive Line Technique Breakdown
Maybe one of the most dominant left tackles ever to play in the NFL, Trent Williams’ unprecedented combination of size, speed, and technique has completely altered the game at the line of scrimmage. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 320 pounds, Williams married brutal strength with athletic finesse. He is a cornerstone who will be able to protect the quarterback and open running lanes down in the future for the San Francisco 49ers.
Williams plays left tackle. That blindside protection of the quarterback is not just a physically demanding assignment, but it also takes a lot mentally. The current schemes for defensive football are much more complicated, with edge rushers currently revolutionizing their pass-rushing sets and moves. The separation for Williams is that he can make those adjustments on the fly as he consistently neutralizes the defender opposite him; he’s one of the more dependable linemen in the league.
Key Attributes of Trent Williams
Williams’ game starts with the physical gifts. The size gives him a natural advantage in being able to get locked up with even the most powerful of defensive linemen. His long arms are an asset in keeping defenders off his body, while his strong core allows him to anchor against bull rushes effectively. But it’s his foot speed that really separates him from other offensive linemen. He moves like a much smaller player, which allows him to mirror fast edge rushers who attempt to beat him with speed.
While these physical attributes make for a promising talent, Williams’ football IQ elevates his game. He has a great understanding of defenses, with the ability to recognize blitzes and stunts often before the snap even happens. Having this in his mind allows him to adjust his technique and thus communicate with the other linemen to the point where they can handle such sophisticated methods of defense.
Trent Williams Pass Blocking Technique
PASS PROTECTION Trent Williams is elite in consideration to the fact that his quick feet and powerful hands can guide or club most edge rushers away from the quarterback. Perhaps the most pivotal part of his pass-blocking technique is the ability to strike with precision. He times his punch perfectly, waiting for the defender to come close enough before delivering a firm blow to the chest or shoulder pad. This disrupts the defender’s momentum and gives Williams control over the engagement.
Williams also has great hand placement. Off of the punch, Williams locks down onto the defender’s frame and steers them away from the quarterback. When his initial strike is countered, Williams quickly resets his hands and re-engages, staying in control through the rep. The combination of timing, strength, and technique keeps Williams on top of even the best pass rushers.
He impresses with his footwork: Williams uses short, controlled steps to remain in front of the defender and to impede the ability to take the corner to the quarterback. He is balanced, ready to react on the defender’s next move, either a speed rush or a power move. His agility and technique make him nearly impossible to beat one-on-one.
Run Blocking Technique
He’s just as effective in the run game. He can create power at the point of attack and is a force in creating running lanes for the backs. Leverage would be one of the biggest strengths for Williams. For a big guy, Williams frequently plays with a low pad level that allows him to gain leverage on defenders and ultimately drive them off the line of scrimmage. That’s key in power-running schemes where you’re looking to move defenders vertically.
Williams’ athleticism flashes in zone-blocking schemes. He’s efficient on reach blocks, where he simply gets to the outside shoulder of a defender and seals them off from the running lane. His quickness and lateral movement are important in blocking defenders who shoot gaps or flow toward the sideline.
Perhaps the most impressive element of Williams’ technique when blocking for the run is his ability to block in space. Oftentimes, after engaging a defensive lineman, he climbs to the second level to take on linebackers or safeties. The ability to transition smoothly from one block to another is what can make him so valuable in the run game-particularly in outside zone schemes where linemen are asked to make blocks on the move.
Football IQ and Adaptability
One of Williams’ stronger qualities involves being able to read the game mentally. He diagnoses defenses and identifies blitzes, stunts, and other schemes where the defensive front is designed to dupe him. Because he has that mental acuity, it provides the ability to adjust his blocking technique mid-play. If a defensive end starts a play with a speed rush and then changes up into a power move, Williams seamlessly transitions with adjustments to keep up, sliding his feet and resetting his hands on the new threat.
This extends further into his knowledge of the defensive fronts and alignments. Williams religiously studies film, finding his opponents’ tendencies and patterns. He can then conceptualize what the defense is trying to do and is already a step ahead before the snap. His ability to adjust on the fly, with his preparation, makes him one of the most reliable players on the field.
Versatility in Blocking Schemes
Arguably, the strongest facet of Williams’ game is his inside-out versatility. He projects favorably to both power and zone-blocking schemes. In a power scheme, he is strong enough and can generate enough leverage to push defenders off the ball, thus creating clear running lanes. He has vertical movement abilities, which are vital in those systems where the offensive linemen have to dominate the line of scrimmage.
With his athleticism, Williams shines in zone-blocking schemes. He can move well laterally, creating a cutoff of defenders to open up horizontal movement along the line of scrimmage. This is particularly valuable on outside zone plays, as the running back will have the option to cut back depending on how the flow of the defense goes. His execution of both down blocks and reach blocks with the same efficiency will make him an indispensable part of any offensive scheme.
Second-Level Blocking
One of the other important traits Williams brings to the table is the ability to block at the second level. After neutralizing the defensive line, Williams many times releases upfield to take on linebackers and safeties. This takes a combination of agility, awareness, and technique. Williams possesses all three of these traits, which enables him to be effective in space against smaller quicker defenders.
He is so valuable in zone-running schemes at the second level because it often requires linemen to move laterally and engage either linebackers or defensive backs. The athleticism and speed with his feet enable Williams to get into position quickly and stay in front of his target. Such makes him a force both in inside and outside zone plays.
Conclusion
Few tackles in football meld together size, strength, and quickness as effortlessly as does Trent Williams. He’s the best of both worlds, capable of being effective both in pass protection and run blocking, but above all, high football IQ and adaptability make him one of the most important players on the field. Williams has developed a great concept of leverage, hand placement, and footwork that allows him to neutralize even the most talented defenders. How well he blocks in space and adjusts to schemes is what separates him from others.
He really is considered one of the best left tackles to have ever played in NFL history when his study of technique is considered. He really mastered everything that is fundamental in playing on the offensive line, then he added physical gifts with a sharp mind. His name, Trent Williams, was the standard for the left tackle play during this time period in the NFL. His presence and playing ability will linger in the game for years to come.