49ers Add Carver Willis, a Versatile Lineman Likely Headed Inside

The 49ers used their second fourth-round pick on Carver Willis, an offensive lineman from Washington who brings positional flexibility and a reputation for toughness. At 6-foot-5 and just over 300 pounds, Willis played both left and right tackle in college, but his arm length - measured at 32 1/2 inches - suggests he is more likely to move inside at the next level.

Willis has been viewed as a strong fit for a zone-blocking system because of his movement skills, body quickness and ability to get to the second level. He finished blocks with power, played with good leverage and showed the kind of aggressive mentality teams want from interior linemen. He was described as someone who does not just want to block defenders, but to drive them out of the play.

At Washington, Willis helped stabilize the line and earned praise for his play at left tackle. His value was especially noticeable when he was unavailable, as the offense felt the loss of his presence. That experience, along with his ability to line up at multiple spots, made him an appealing option for a team looking to add depth and competition on the interior.

The main question is where he settles in. Several evaluations pointed to guard as his best NFL position because he can struggle to sustain blocks on the edge in pass protection and does not always have the length to handle speed rushers outside. Some also see center as a possibility, especially after he was asked to take snaps during the pre-draft process. That kind of flexibility gives him a path to a roster spot even if he does not win a starting job immediately.

For San Francisco, the selection fits a familiar pattern. The team has long valued linemen who can move, fit a zone scheme and adapt to multiple roles. Willis checks those boxes, and his arrival should create competition at left guard while giving the coaching staff another option if injuries force changes across the line. He is the kind of player who can be developed into a useful piece if the transition goes smoothly.

The pick also reflects the reality of late-round roster building. Day 3 linemen are rarely sure things, and Willis was not considered a premium prospect. Still, the 49ers clearly saw enough in his film and background to believe he could outplay his draft slot. In a class where depth and versatility matter, that can be enough to justify the selection.

There is also a clear need behind the move. The 49ers have spent recent seasons trying to protect a line that has often been held together by patchwork solutions. With Trent Williams still anchoring the group but the future beyond him uncertain, adding more bodies was a priority. Willis gives them another lineman who can compete now and potentially grow into a bigger role later.

His fit may be at left guard first, where he could battle for immediate snaps. If that does not work out, the team could still use him as a swing backup across multiple spots. Either way, the appeal is obvious: a tough, athletic lineman with starting experience, the willingness to move inside and enough upside to make the pick interesting.

For a team looking to improve its interior protection and add competition, Willis is a sensible bet. He may not have been the flashiest name on the board, but he brings traits that coaches value and a profile that matches what the 49ers have traditionally asked of their offensive linemen. If he adapts quickly, he could become one of the more useful mid-round additions in the class.