The San Francisco 49ers wasted no time addressing their offensive line depth in the recent NFL Draft, selecting Carver Willis with the 127th overall pick in the fourth round. Willis, a standout from Kansas State, is ready to embrace any position the team asks of him, signaling a flexible approach that could pay dividends for the 49ers’ offensive line in 2026.
Amid rumors swirling about positional fits and team needs, Willis has made one thing clear: his goal is to contribute, no matter where along the offensive line he lands. “I like playing offensive line. Where that is on the offensive line, I don’t really care,” Willis told reporters. “Just tell me what to do and I’ll go get it done.”
The 49ers are reportedly considering deploying Willis inside on the interior offensive line, where strength and leverage are crucial against formidable defensive fronts, a shift from his college role as a right tackle. This adaptability echoes the career path of NFL great Zack Martin, who transitioned successfully from tackle in college to guard in the pros.
“There’s a lot of guys that have done it before me. You look at Zack Martin. Zack Martin is like, probably the best to ever do it,” Willis said. “I’m not a guy that’s going to sit there and be like; I’m a Tackle and have a huge ego about it.”
Willis credits early coaching engagement with Chris Foerster, San Francisco’s offensive line coach, for helping him adjust to the 49ers’ run schemes, particularly their wide zone blocking style. “We talked about the Combine and how I changed my philosophy and really bought into how the 49ers run wide zone,” Willis shared excitedly, highlighting the immediate rapport with Foerster ahead of training camp.
This swift assimilation into the 49ers’ system puts Willis in a strong position to compete for snaps, even if an immediate starting role isn’t on the table. The team’s focus on depth here reflects an investment in weathering the NFL’s physical toll and making strategic roster moves to protect franchise cornerstone Brock Purdy.
For South Carolina and U.S. football fans, Willis’s story is a compelling example of adaptability and readiness to seize opportunity at the professional level. As the 49ers prepare for the 2026 season, the offensive line’s depth will be crucial in maintaining their competitiveness in a demanding NFC West division.
Willis’s mindset and early progress with the 49ers signal a player committed to stepping up immediately. “Anywhere along the five is good with me,” he declared, underscoring the attitude teams desire in building roster resilience.
Keep a close eye on Willis as training camps unfold—his versatility and work ethic might just earn him a spot in what is shaping up to be one of the NFL’s most formidable offensive lines.
