The San Francisco 49ers have excelled in numerous positions, with NFL executives, coaches, and scouts ranking their players in the top ten for:
- Running back
- Safety
- Defensive tackle
- Edge rusher
Tight End: The Crown Jewel
Next up is the tight end position, where the 49ers truly struck gold with George Kittle.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s Golden Find: George Kittle
- Background: Kittle, a University of Iowa product, was known for his superb athleticism but had limited opportunities, recording just 22 receptions during his senior season.
- Draft Concerns: Injury concerns and lack of production caused Kittle to drop in the draft.
- NFL Combine: Despite these concerns, Kittle’s potential was evident in his performance at the NFL Combine.
Rookie Season and Breakthrough
- Rookie Year: Kittle saw 63 targets in his first year.
- 2018 Season: Targets more than doubled, leading to record-breaking performances.
- Franchise Record: Fastest player in franchise history to reach 400 career receptions.
Kittle’s Impact
- Game-Changer: Consistently a difference-maker with game-changing plays each season.
- Best Season: Arguably, his 2019 season was his best, despite not having the same numbers as the previous season.
Evolving Role with Brock Purdy
- 2022 Season: Developed a strong duo with Purdy, finishing with a career-high 11 touchdowns.
- Last Year: Touchdowns decreased, but Kittle achieved a career-high in yards per reception.
Read more: Brock Purdy Stats
Continued Excellence
- Current Ranking: ESPN ranks Kittle as the No. 2 tight end:
- Highest Ranking: 1
- Lowest Ranking: 5
- Age: 30
- Last Year’s Ranking: 2
Key Stats
- 1,000-Yard Season: Only tight end to post a 1,000-yard season last year, his first since 2019.
- Yards Per Catch: Led all tight ends with 15.7 yards per catch.
- Yards After Catch: Tied for first with 7.4 yards after catch.
Read More: George Kittle Stats
Expert Opinions
- NFL Personnel Director: “Deep in-breaking routes, delays, and boots and keepers — he’s just a problem with the ball in his hands. He’s more explosive [than Kelce] at this point, and being able to stay a little bit healthier this year helped him.”
- Blocking: Still considered the game’s premier blocking tight end seven years into his career.
The Competition
- Travis Kelce: Acknowledged as a top tight end.
- Mark Andrews: Arguably not on Kittle’s level, with Baltimore’s offense continuing to thrive in his absence.
- Sam LaPorta: Detroit Lions’ tight end mentioned in the same breath as Kittle and Kelce.
- T.J. Hockensen: Considered a tier or two below the top group.
Conclusion
Kittle’s journey from an underrated college player to a top-tier NFL tight end showcases his resilience and talent. As he turns 31, there’s little reason to believe his stellar play won’t continue, solidifying his status as one of the best tight ends in the game.