Will the 49ers Draft an Offensive Tackle in Round 1?

The Growing Speculation Around San Francisco’s Draft Plans
With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, speculation about the San Francisco 49ers’ first-round pick is heating up. If you’ve been following mock drafts, you’ve likely seen a common theme: experts repeatedly project the 49ers selecting an offensive lineman. Given the team’s current roster structure, the logic behind this prediction is understandable.

Addressing the 49ers’ Offensive Line Needs
San Francisco’s offensive line has long been anchored by Trent Williams, one of the best left tackles of his generation. However, Williams isn’t getting any younger, and the 49ers must prepare for life after their star lineman. Finding a successor sooner rather than later could be crucial to maintaining the team’s dominance in the trenches.

Will Campbell: The Popular Mock Draft Choice
Among the most frequently mocked prospects to the 49ers is LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell. Both Pro Football Network (PFN) and Athlon Sports have linked him to San Francisco, with PFN going so far as to project him in multiple mock drafts. Their reasoning is clear:

“It’s past time for the San Francisco 49ers to invest high capital in their offensive line. While arm length debates swirl around Will Campbell, I think he has the skills to excel at either guard or tackle. He can start at guard for San Francisco and then succeed Trent Williams later.”

PFN makes a compelling case. The 49ers need to solidify their offensive line, and Campbell could provide both short-term versatility and long-term stability. But is he the right fit?

Concerns About Campbell’s Suitability
Despite Campbell’s talent, some scouts have raised concerns about his ability to play left tackle at the NFL level. One of the biggest knocks against him is his short arm length, which could make it difficult for him to handle elite pass rushers on the edge.

At guard, short arms are less of an issue because linemen have help from teammates in the trenches. But at tackle, players often find themselves in one-on-one battles against speed rushers who can take advantage of any physical limitations. Campbell’s arm length could hinder his ability to recover against fast defensive ends.

To compensate, he would need elite footwork and quick reaction time to stay in front of defenders. While he has shown solid movement skills in college, there’s a legitimate question about whether they will translate against NFL-level competition.

Should the 49ers Look Elsewhere?
If the 49ers are set on drafting an offensive tackle, they may want to explore other options. There could be prospects available with more ideal physical traits for the position, reducing the risk of a first-round miss. Additionally, the team could prioritize a defensive lineman, given their struggles in the trenches on that side of the ball.

Free agency isn’t the best way to solve the left tackle dilemma, as premier tackles rarely hit the open market. However, forcing a pick in the draft could also be a mistake. The 49ers must ensure they find a true long-term solution rather than selecting a player who might be better suited for guard.

Final Verdict
While Will Campbell is a talented player, he may not be the best fit for San Francisco’s specific needs. If the 49ers truly want to secure their future at left tackle, they should carefully evaluate all available options before making a decision. The upcoming draft will be a defining moment for the franchise—will they stick with the popular choice, or will they go in a different direction?