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Carver Willis turns heads with early selection by 49ers proving the doubters wrong

Carver Willis was drafted in the 4th round by the San Francisco 49ers.
ByMark Knight|
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Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington offensive lineman Carver Willis (OL54) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington offensive lineman Carver Willis (OL54) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

There were many mock drafts that didn't have Carver Willis in them at all. Nowhere to be found, and plenty assumed he would be a UDFA. However, Willis proved everyone wrong when the San Francisco 49ers took him in the 4th round. Which, if you are doing the math, is three rounds earlier than a UDFA. His rise really came out of nowhere this offseason.

He was a great Washington Husky last season, and in the few games he couldn't play or went down for a few plays, the offense really stalled out. However, because he spent most of his college career at tackle and didn't project well there, many thought he would slide out of the draft. Yet, the versatility he showed in the draft process proved he's not only a valuable depth piece for an NFL team but also capable of being a starter in the right system.

Enter the San Francisco 49ers, a team that runs the West Coast zone blocking scheme. A perfect fit for a player like Willis, who can really help at every spot on the roster. There's more good news for Willis, though.

Carver Willis may end up being a starter for the San Francisco 49ers

Related: Jonah Coleman already drawing elite comparisons after Denver Broncos draft pick

Willis has some great news by being drafted by the 49ers. He's going to get a chance to compete right away for a starting spot. It's a team that has heavy needs along the offensive line, but didn't address them at all until now, when picking Willis.

His best fit for the 49ers may be at left guard. Spencer Burford departed via free agency this offseason, and there's a hole there that Willis could fit. The fact that San Francisco hasn't drafted another offensive lineman before Willis shows they believe he may be the best fit there.

Willis could end up being the steal of the draft for the 49ers. His pedigree, ability, and versatility give him a high upside. The 49ers got a good one, a glue guy, who can help everywhere on the line.

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