5 prospects 49ers target if Commanders trade No. 11 draft pick for Jimmy Garoppolo

49ers Target No. 4: IOL Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa

This one might be a bit of a reach, but the truth is the Niners have very few holes in their roster and this could potentially not even be one.

There are two players who could be leaving the team in center Alex Mack (who is contemplating retirement) and guard Laken Tomlinson (who’s hitting free agency). Both players are coming off Pro Bowl seasons and either would be sorely missed.

Even if Mack plays on, he’ll need a successor anyway.

But if a hole was to open up on the interior of the offensive line, Tyler Linderbaum looks to be a very safe bet as a plug-and-play starter in Week 1 who can play all three of the interior positions for the pros.

Linderbaum is absolutely perfect for the type of zone-blocking, run-heavy offense head coach Kyle Shanahan runs in San Francisco. He’s strong but quick, and Iowa has done a magnificent job making sure his technique is sound.

While Linderbaum is strong he isn’t a powerhouse, and his best move isn’t to stonewall defenders but to leverage them into positions where they can’t impact the play precisely like the type of blocking San Francisco utilizes.

Linderbaum is more a center than a guard, and his length isn’t perfect for a guard at the NFL level, but his technique and football IQ allow him to make up for any physical limitations he may have. In short, he’s a true footballer in every sense of the word.

Some may consider this a slight reach, but I would consider this a good use of a pick for a versatile prospect who can plug a potential need.