No. 1: 49ers TE George Kittle
When Lynch and Shanahan drafted tight end George Kittle in the fifth round of the 2017 draft, they knew they were drafting an elite athlete who had the physical tools necessary to become an NFL-caliber tight end. Little did they know, they drafted a tight end who would have a historic rookie season, before becoming one of the best players at his position during his sophomore campaign.
Kittle’s 43 receptions and 515 receiving yards are the most by a rookie TE drafted in the 5th round or later… in the history of the NFL #49ers #GoNiners https://t.co/cvGkMwlLit
— Chris Wilson (@cgawilson) January 2, 2018
After the first four games of 2018, Kittle leads the 49ers with 18 receptions. His 316 receiving yards more than double those of any other player on San Francisco’s roster, and rank third among all NFL tight ends. Kittle is currently PFF’s top-ranked tight end, with a 90.0 overall grade and a receiving grade of 90.7, as well as a top-10 run blocking grade.
With Garoppolo sidelined, Kittle was reunited with Beathard — his college quarterback at the University of Iowa — in Week 4. The duo had instant rapport, as Beathard connected with Kittle for three successful third-down conversions. Down by two scores in the second half, Beathard also looked to Kittle to keep the 49ers in the game when he connected with his tight end on an 82-yard touchdown pass.
#49ers' TE George Kittle @gkittle46 had 6 receptions for 125 yards and a score against the #Chargers on Sunday, including 3 3rd-down conversions, and an 82-yard TD catch-and-run. #SFvsLAC #GoNiners pic.twitter.com/7hh1EvUmZb
— Chris Wilson (@cgawilson) October 2, 2018
Kittle has quickly emerged as a go-to receiver for the 49ers on key third downs, and a threat in the open field who can both out-run and run over potential tacklers. Look for the San Francisco 49ers to get their big-bodied tight end more involved in the red zone, where the team has struggled over the past two seasons. Particularly if he can add to his touchdown totals, Kittle is on the verge of becoming one of the NFL’s elite offensive threats.
