49ers’ NFL Draft preview: Which tight end can complement George Kittle?
To get a better look at the 49ers’ roster and their NFL Draft needs, we’re taking a daily look at position groups. Today’s offering: Tight end
WHO’S HERE
Starter: George Kittle. Backups: Ross Dwelley, Charlie Woerner, Daniel Helm
2021 OUTLOOK
Kittle missed half last season with knee and foot injuries, so keeping him healthy is imperative to offensive success, and so is getting him in the end zone more after 14 touchdowns in 53 career games. The 49ers keep searching for an ideal tight end to complement him on the other side, though they must strike a balance between a receiving and blocking tight end.
They’ve brought back the same tight end group as last season, with the exception of Jordan Reed, a free agent. Woerner’s worked out with Kittle in Nashville this offseason, and the 49ers would love if Woerner breaks out in his second year anywhere near the way Kittle did in 2018. Dwelley’s production has steadily increased but his roster spot is not assured. Chase Harrell recently got released after spending his rookie year on the practice squad and suspended list.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“You know, I want Jimmy G to be my quarterback. That’s what camp and OTAs and competition’s for. Whatever they do, I can’t wait to see what the team looks like in a couple weeks.” – George Kittle, on the 10 Questions With Kyle Brandt podcast recently.
DRAFT EXPECTATIONS
So, Florida’s Kyle Pitts at No. 3 overall? Not unless he morphs into a quarterback. Pitts might be the first non-QB drafted but the 49ers can’t risk doing that, because who’d throw to him and Kittle if Garoppolo gets hurt, again?
It’s definitely worth a shot at drafting another tight end with any of their ensuing eight picks, even at No. 43 in the second round. Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth, Notre Dame’s Tommy Tremble, Miami’s Brevin Jordan and Boston College’s Hunter Long are candidates to watch.
LOCAL OPTION
Scooter Harrington (Stanford)
PRIORITY (Scale: 1 to 10): 6