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!
TheSan Francisco 49ersclosed 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 ofVernon Davis, the 49ers have struggled to find a solid, long-term replacement for him.Vance McDonalddidn’t work out and was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers (he might’ve dropped something on his way there) andDerek Carrierdidn’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 whenJimmy Garoppoloentered 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.
More fromGolden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
With the 146th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected tight endGeorge Kittlein 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 rookieTrent Taylorfor 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 rookieCole Hikutini(two catches, 15 yards, placed on IR),Logan Paulsen(zero catches) andKyle 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 likeJimmy GrahamandTyler Eifertare 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 areAustin Seferian-Jenkinsof the New York Jets andRichard Rodgersof 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.
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations