Rookie offensive lineman Carver Willis has finally entered the battle for the San Francisco 49ers’ starting left guard spot, getting reps with the first team during both Saturday and Sunday practices. It’s about time, especially with the team already facing a massive injury list. The 49ers are still searching for answers at that fifth and final spot on their starting O-line, and Willis’s elevation definitely shakes things up.
Concussion Set Him Back, Lack of Stars Kept Door Open
Willis was supposed to rotate in earlier, but a concussion cost him valuable practice time. Talk about bad luck to start your career! Fortunately for the rookie, no one else has exactly lit up the field at left guard. Second-year OL Connor Colby started camp there, but veteran Robert Jones quickly took over. Still, Jones hasn’t done enough to cement himself as the starter, which left the door wide open for other options. That’s a brutal reality for a team still trying to figure out its offensive line.
Fifth-Round Pick Making Noise After College Position Change
This isn’t just any rookie stepping up, either. Willis was a fifth-round pick, and he played offensive tackle in college. But check this out: draft analysts projected him to play guard or center in the NFL because of his measurables, and every team he spoke with before the draft talked about him playing along the interior. That foresight is paying off now. He was also really good in the team’s preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, earning the best grade from Pro Football Focus among 49ers offensive players who played at least 10 snaps. He played 33 snaps in that game, even though he didn’t start. That showing clearly played a big role in getting him those first-team reps.
Right now, the 49ers are heading into the second week of the preseason with no clear answers at left guard. Willis wasn’t even really in the mix for the first preseason game, but he’s got a huge chance to grab a starting job leading up to their joint practice and preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The pressure’s on, and the spotlight’s on the rookie!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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