2017 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Picks, Grades and Analysis
Round 5, Pick 2
Player: [TE] George Kittle, Iowa
Height/Weight: 6’4″ and 247 pounds
The 49ers started the fifth round by taking Iowa tight end George Kittle, amid rumours they could trade Vance McDonald.
Kittle is at the very least healthy competition for McDonald, the Hawkeye one of many talented tight ends in a deep class.
With size and speed having run a 4.52 in the Combine, Kittle is athletic enough to make a difference and had 10 touchdowns in his final seasons.
Expect him to develop into a decent weapon for Brian Hoyer.
Strengths
Kittle’s speed shows up on tape, he is able to run away from defenders and pick up significant yards after the catch. He is an effective option going down the seam and excels at peeling off blocks to make receptions
Not afraid to go over the middle and not overly affected by contact in the middle of his route, Kittle is a hands-catcher who plucks the ball in the air.
Adept at blocking, Kittle attacks his task with aggression and should off a big-play threat in the passing game having averaged 15.4 yards per play in college.
Weaknesses
Kittle’s overall production in college was somewhat lacking with just 42 catches in his last two seasons.
As a blocker he will get off balance and has a tendency to lunge into his target.
His route breaks can be easy to decipher and Kittle could serve to generate more separation out of his breaks as a route-runner.
Why he fits
The 49ers have had too many mediocre tight ends in recent times and Kittle should threaten their places on the roster.
Blake Bell and Garrett Celek in particular should be nervous about their places on the team.
Kittle fits because he is an athletically blessed tight end who has proven himself to be a big-play threat at Iowa.
If McDonald stays and can continue to improve and Kittle lives up to his potential, then the Niners will have two very solid tight ends.
Grade: B