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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting each rookie’s role, impact after 2017 NFL Draft

By James LeBreton

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-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 146: George Kittle

In the fifth round the 49ers selected Iowa tight end George Kittle with pick number 146 overall.

This came as no surprise for two major reasons. First, Shanahan is known for running plays with two-three tight end sets.

Second, the 49ers are not exactly overflowing with talent at the tight end position. In the off-season, Shanahan signed free agent Logan Paulsen. His reception total will not amaze you, but he is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league.

Kittle is not only NFL ready, he was one of the better blocking tight ends to enter the draft. He also enters the league, by way of the 49ers, with established chemistry. In two years as upperclassman, Kittle and Beathard connected on 42 passes for 604 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Although Beathard won’t win the starting job, this is a connection we could see quite often in the preseason.

Vance McDonald’s game can be underwhelming, but Kittle won’t push him for the job initially. However, in time he could be the starter based on his versatility alone. For now, he beats out Garrett Celek for second string.

Prediction: Second String TE

Next: Trent Taylor