Will Campbell: The Perfect Fit for the 49ers in Round 1?

The San Francisco 49ers have a rare chance to add a franchise-changing talent with the 11th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. It has been years since the 49ers picked this high, and the last time they did, they made a costly mistake. This time, they cannot afford to miss.

A Look Back at the 49ers’ Last High Draft Pick

The 49ers have not selected this early in the draft since 2021 when they traded up for quarterback Trey Lance. In hindsight, that decision was a massive misstep. Instead of Lance, they could have selected Penei Sewell, Ja’Marr Chase, Patrick Surtain II, or Micah Parsons—all of whom have developed into All-Pro players.

This year, with the 11th pick, the 49ers will once again have the opportunity to land a future All-Pro. The question is, will they make the right choice?

The Dream Pick: LSU’s Will Campbell

According to Pro Football Focus, the ideal scenario for San Francisco would be drafting LSU left tackle Will Campbell. Analyst Mason Cameron highlights why Campbell would be a perfect fit for the 49ers:

“The 49ers and Brock Purdy are reportedly working on a massive extension, so moving to find more blocking for both him and Christian McCaffrey is a priority. With Aaron Banks’ contract expiring and Trent Williams entering his age-37 season while coming off an injury, Campbell — or another highly touted tackle prospect — would address an immediate need on the interior and provide a long-term solution at tackle.”

Campbell’s potential selection makes sense. The 49ers’ offensive line is aging, and protecting Purdy must be a priority. But will the 49ers actually take an offensive lineman?

Do the 49ers Value Offensive Linemen in Round 1?

While the consensus around the league suggests the 49ers need to reinforce their offensive line, their front office might see things differently. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and offensive line coach Chris Foerster have repeatedly stated that they prioritize playmakers over linemen. Their philosophy has been to surround the quarterback with elite skill players while maintaining a serviceable offensive line.

This mindset explains why Colton McKivitz remains the starting right tackle. Though he is not elite, he is considered “good enough” to start while being paid like a high-level backup. The 49ers have also historically avoided using high draft capital on offensive linemen, preferring to find value in later rounds.

Avoiding Another Mike McGlinchey Situation

If the 49ers hesitate to draft Campbell, part of their reasoning could stem from their past experience with Mike McGlinchey. Selected ninth overall in the 2018 Draft, McGlinchey never lived up to his draft position, and the 49ers let him walk without offering a second contract. That selection proved to be a reach, and San Francisco might be wary of making a similar mistake with another offensive lineman.

Instead, the team may opt to wait until later rounds, trusting their scouting department to find another gem. Last year, they discovered Dominick Puni in the third round, and he has already shown promise as a quality right guard. If they were successful in finding a lineman in the mid-rounds once, they may believe they can do it again.

What Will the 49ers Do?

With the 11th pick, the 49ers have an opportunity to secure a cornerstone player for years to come. Whether they choose to address the offensive line with Will Campbell or take a different route remains to be seen. Given their draft history and team philosophy, it would not be surprising if they bypassed an offensive lineman in favor of a high-impact playmaker.

One thing is certain: they cannot afford another mistake like Trey Lance. If they make the right choice, this pick could be the turning point that keeps them at the top of the NFC for years to come.