Overview
- Willis, selected in the fourth round at No. 127 on Saturday, gives San Francisco a versatile option for its interior offensive line.
- Willis said every team discussed moving him from tackle to guard or center, and he has already taken reps inside at the Senior Bowl and trained at center with Denver’s Alex Forsyth.
- The 49ers return four starters up front with only left guard open, and Willis is expected to battle there with Connor Colby and Robert Jones as the team also considers future center depth behind Jake Brendel.
- Scouting reports highlight strong run blocking but flag 32.5-inch arms, 9.5-inch hands, a shaky anchor, and spotty pass protection, with combine marks of 6-5, 303 pounds and a 5.11-second 40-yard dash.
- After 45 college games and honorable-mention honors in the Big 12 and Big Ten, Willis said meetings with OL coach Chris Foerster and the chance to learn from Trent Williams make the fit in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme appealing.