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San Francisco 49ers: Tight End Position Needs an Upgrade

By Sanjesh Singh

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers eludes John Johnson #43 of the Los Angeles Rams on a pass play during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers eludes John Johnson #43 of the Los Angeles Rams on a pass play during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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The San Francisco 49ers have seen their tight ends make a huge leap to end the season, but they still need an upgrade to challenge the league’s best!

The San Francisco 49ers closed out the season with five tight ends on the roster, one of them on injured reserve. Tight ends have always been a key part to the offensive unit and that element was true again this season.

Ever since the departure of Vernon Davis, the 49ers have struggled to find a solid, long-term replacement for him. Vance McDonald didn’t work out and was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers (he might’ve dropped something on his way there) and Derek Carrier didn’t work out either.

Current Tight Ends

Garrett Celek, however, is a name that has been on this roster for quite some time, but, if he can stay healthy, he will bring an underrated impact.

He only caught 21 passes this season, but four of them were touchdowns. And those four touchdowns were good enough to lead the team.

This season he stepped up to produce at a higher level, and got even better when Jimmy Garoppolo entered the picture. Celek is still under contract and has a big chance to stay on the roster for next season. A full season while healthy, will only increase his production.

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With the 146th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected tight end George Kittle in the fifth round and he proved to be an absolute steal.

The catch and run touchdown in the preseason foreshadowed his playmaking ability, and he definitely showed out in the regular season.

The 6’4″ Kittle caught 43 passes for 515 yards and two touchdowns. The 43 catches ties him with fellow fifth round rookie Trent Taylor for third on the team.

Kittle was bothered by small injuries throughout the season. However, he proved that he can be a reliable playmaker — provided he can clean up the issue he had with drops.

He should be the starter next season unless the 49ers get a tight end that can make a similar or even bigger impact

The other tight ends on the roster include rookie Cole Hikutini (two catches, 15 yards, placed on IR), Logan Paulsen (zero catches) and Kyle Nelson (primarily a long snapper).

This is the biggest concern at tight end. Depth at this position lacks solid talent. Maybe Hikutini can develop and have an impact as the third string tight end. But, that may be difficult to do with many players returning from injury or if the 49ers do sign or draft one.

Future Free Agents

In the free agency period, names like Jimmy Graham and Tyler Eifert are being mentioned. Graham would make for second Jimmy G on the team, while Eifert has had durability issues.

Two other names that could be intriguing in Shanahan’s offense are Austin Seferian-Jenkins of the New York Jets and Richard Rodgers of Green Bay.

Next: 49ers 2017 Season Report Card

If the 49ers do manage to bring in a talented tight end, especially Graham who had 10 touchdown catches on the season, the offense will be even more explosive. A G trio of Graham, Garrett and George will certainly be well worth watching.