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San Francisco 49ers: 2017 NFL Draft report card

By Peter Felsch

Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5, Pick No. 146 Overall

George Kittle, TE Iowa — A

Another Hawkeye standout, tight end George Kittle is a physical specimen who can compete right away for the starting tight end position.

The 49ers were rumored to moving No. 1 tight end Vance McDonald out, but a trade never happened. Nonetheless, the Niners needed an impact player of the future at this position, and Kittle has excellent blocking ability and speed to burn. He ran a 4.52 40-yard time at the combine, which was third best out of his group.

If they can develop him as a pass catcher, this could end up being another steal of the draft. He will have good rapport already with C.J. Beathard  in camp, given there experience playing at Iowa together.