49ers Bolster Offensive Line in Latest NFL Mock Draft

The San Francisco 49ers and general manager John Lynch don't exactly have their quarterback signed to a long-term deal quite yet as Brock Purdy enters the final year of his rookie deal.

But with numerous departures in free agency already this offseason, the team will have holes to fill up and down the roster in next month's NFL Draft.

One position of interest will be along the offensive line in front of Purdy. And in the latest mock draft from Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling, the 49ers do just that with LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell.

"This offensive line needs immediate upgrades at guard and right tackle, as well as an eventual successor to Trent Williams at left tackle," writes Easterling. "Campbell is an athletic, high-upside prospect who can check all of those boxes."

Campbell is 6-6, 319 pounds and was a standout offensive lineman for the Tigers last season.

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein describes Campbell as "athletic, durable and battle-tested," something that could be valuable as a rookie in Santa Clara.

"Athletic left tackle prospect who's durable and battle-tested but has elements of high risk, high reward in his game. Campbell is a thumping run blocker who can clear out B-gaps with forceful down blocks and displace base blocks with his “strike and run” technique," Zierlein wrote. "Campbell operates with good athleticism and agility in pass protection but is way too leaky against inside moves. He has a jarring, heavy punch and can latch in to control the rep. However, he has short arms and when he’s beaten to first action, the footwork and technique go out the window, forcing him to scramble and survive to save the pocket.

"His play is determined, spirited and aggressive, which works in his favor, but Campbell must learn to vary his pass-set technique and operate with optimal hand timing in order to thrive at tackle instead of being moved to guard."

Campbell could be just what the 49ers need to help protect Purdy next season ... and maybe even beyond.

The NFL Draft begins on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.