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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Dark-Horse Candidates to Start in 2017

By Nicholas McGee

Jan 1, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (18) rushes with the football against Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) during the third quarter at Levis Stadium Seahawks defeated the 49ers 25-23. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (18) rushes with the football against Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) during the third quarter at Levis Stadium Seahawks defeated the 49ers 25-23. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

George Kittle

As with the cornerback position, there is a school of thought that tight ends tend to not impress in the opening year of their NFL careers.

It should follow, therefore, that there should not be much expectation placed on the shoulders of fifth-round pick George Kittle.

However, just like with Witherspoon and the corner spot, the relative lack of options at the position count in his favor.

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The 49ers have made no secret of their previous attempts to trade starter Vance McDonald, while Garrett Celek and Blake Bell both failed to impress last season.

Free-agent acquisition Logan Paulsen is predominantly a blocking tight end, and Kittle’s proficiency as an in-line blocker and as an athletic receiver put him in the conversation to earn a spot high up the depth chart.

A 6’4″ and 247-pound hands-catcher with speed to threaten down the seam and after the catch, Kittle carries big-play potential having averaged 15.4 yards per play in college, per Sports Reference.

Kittle also scored 10 touchdowns in his last two seasons and, if McDonald does eventually depart, the former Hawkeye could find himself atop the depth chart.