In the 7th round of the 2023 NFL draft, the 49ers made a strategic selection by picking up tight end Brayden Willis from Oklahoma. …

The 247th overall pick, Willis is a versatile player who brings a lot of potential to the team's offense. The 49ers love a versatile player, and Willis does bring that to the fold. While slotted for a TE role, he can play HB and FB as well.

Willis will be competing with fellow rookie Cameron Latu for a spot on the team behind established tight end George Kittle. Although both rookies have different skill sets, with Willis being the stronger blocker and Latu the better receiver, the competition between them is likely to be fierce.

At 6'3" and 237 pounds, Willis has impressive size and strength that should make him a valuable asset in the 49ers' running game. He also has the potential to develop into a reliable target for quarterback Trey Lance in the passing game. With Kittle being one of the league's premier tight ends, Willis will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best and improve his game in multiple areas.

While Willis may not make an immediate impact on the 49ers' offense, his potential and work ethic suggest that he could develop into a valuable contributor in the years to come. The 49ers' coaching staff will have their work cut out for them in deciding how best to utilize Willis and Latu's respective strengths in their offensive game plan.

Overall, the 49ers' decision to select Brayden Willis in the 7th round of the 2023 draft appears to be a smart move that could pay dividends in the future. With his combination of size, strength, and potential, Willis is a player to watch in the coming seasons as he competes for playing time and looks to establish himself as a key contributor on the 49ers' offense.