49ers film room: Breaking down Kyle Shanahan’s best red-zone weapons

7. George Kittle

Over his college career, rookie tight end George Kittle didn’t have Taylor’s level of production — he had only 737 receiving yards over four years — but he may have more upside in the NFL.

Kittle is an elite athlete who has the potential to become a star in the league. Although tight ends usually have slow transitions from college to the next level, all reports on Kittle from 49ers’ minicamp were glowing.

Even if he is unable to crack the starting lineup, Kittle will surely have opportunities in the red zone, due to Shanahan’s use of multiple-tight-end sets:

If he is able to earn a starting role, then the sky is the limit for Kittle’s red-zone production, thanks to a Shanahan offense that relies heavily on tight ends: