49ers 4-round mock draft including blockbuster Deebo Samuel trade

Round 3, Pick No. 105 Overall (Compensatory): 49ers select G/C Luke Fortner

One of the biggest offseason losses was the departure Laken Tomlinson. In fact, 60 percent of last year’s offensive line starters are currently not penciled in for the upcoming season. This group not only needs available bodies, it needs stability at every position for years to come.

Even if Alex Mack decides to return for one more year, finding his eventual replacement should at least be addressed. And what about second-year man Aaron Banks? He’s completely unproven and would have to work the kinks out as he goes.

Drafting Kentucky interior lineman Luke Fortner could prove to solve both those glaring problems.

Fortner is an absolute chameleon at every position, but he excels along the interior. After two seasons at guard, he switched to center and grabbed All-SEC honors. He’s formidable depth behind a successful Banks in his first year, or he’s stability inside with Mack for one final season.

At 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds, if Fortner starts alongside Trent Williams, consider that side of the line immovable. But if Fortner starts at center, Trey Lance will have no problem transitioning from Mack to his new mainstay.

This is not only a good move for the 49ers, it’s the only move.