NFL analyst Brian Baldinger recently identified Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. as the ideal first-round pick for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, as he continues evaluating potential fits for the Bay Area team, Baldinger floated another intriguing name on Tuesday—LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell.
Offensive tackle remains a pressing need for the 49ers heading into the draft. The team could look to upgrade the right tackle spot currently occupied by Colton McKivitz, with an eye toward developing a long-term successor to veteran left tackle Trent Williams.
"If Will Campbell from LSU somehow slips to number 11, the 49ers have got to consider this left tackle," Baldinger said via 95.7 The Game. "He's been the starting left tackle now at LSU for three years in a row. He's gone up against [former Alabama and current Texans DE] Will Anderson Jr., he's gone up against [former Florida State and current Rams edge] Jared Verse. He's gone up against the best of the best.
"Now, he's 6-6, he's 319 pounds. He ran a 4.98 [40-yard dash]—very fast for a guy that size. His knock right now is that his arms aren't quite 33 inches, but he wins with his feet, and he's got anvils for hands. And you just watch him, he's got a great short jab. And once he locks on to guys, he just stays on his feet, and he can anchor with the best of them right now. A lot of great tape on Will Campbell."
In 2024, Campbell earned a career-best 80.6 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, allowing just two sacks and 18 total pressures across 558 pass-blocking snaps. However, his run-blocking grade dipped from 84.9 in 2023 to 69.7 this past season.
Some evaluators believe Campbell could transition to guard early in his NFL career, despite never playing the position during his three seasons at LSU. If the 49ers opt to keep McKivitz at right tackle, Campbell could potentially slide in at left guard—filling the void left by Aaron Banks, who departed in free agency.
It sounds like Baldinger sees that as a viable option.
"The 49ers have to start addressing that left guard position, and eventually, Trent Williams' position at left tackle," he added.
.@BaldyNFL on why the #49ers should consider LT Will Campbell (@will_campbell66) if he's available at the No. 11 pick pic.twitter.com/Q745VqvRXy
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 15, 2025