5 players who 49ers need to be great in 2020

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Chiefs won the game 31-20. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

1 of 5

ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 11: Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins reacts after Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons returned an interception for a touchdown in their 25-19 loss at Georgia Dome on October 11, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The 49ers need these five players to be great to win again in 2020.

The NFL is a place where worst-to-first turnarounds can happen and the 2019 San Francisco 49ers were a great example of that. After finishing 4-12 in 2018, the 49ers got healthy and went 13-3, advancing to the Super Bowl before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs.

There is only one more step for the 49ers to take and that is winning the big game in 2020. In order for that to happen, these five players will need to step up and be great, including left tackle Trent Williams.

San Francisco 49ers x-factors: LT Trent Williams

There is a new tackle in town for the 49ers after Joe Staley retired on draft weekend. San Francisco moved quickly to secure his replacement, swinging a deal with the Washington Redskins to land Williams.

On paper, the move makes sense since Williams has a history of strong play at left tackle and should still have plenty of good football left in him. There are question marks, however, over Williams’ fitness level after he sat out the entire 2019 season due to a salary dispute.

Williams will need to play himself into football shape quickly, which may not be easy since all offseason on-field activities are on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. Getting the best out of Williams will be critical for the San Francisco offensive line.