Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 5 players who will rise in training camp

By Robert Smith

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Aldrick Robinson #19 of the Atlanta Falcons runs after a catch against Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Aldrick Robinson #19 of the Atlanta Falcons runs after a catch against Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA – OCTOBER 03: General view of a game ball with a logo in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA – OCTOBER 03: General view of a game ball with a logo in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Cole Hikutini, TE

With the 49ers in desperate need of adding receiving threats and red-zone targets, Cole Hikutini can bring both of those in abundance.

Scouts loved Hikutini’s 6-foot-4 frame and route running ability. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper (h/t 49ers.com) said as much, stating, “He ran the 40 around 4.80 at his pro day, but I thought his tape showed a Day 2 pick, and he was my sixth-ranked tight end. Hikutini could be a steal.”

While at Louisville, Hikutini led the team last season with 50 receptions and 668 yards receiving to go along with eight touchdowns.

Hikutini settles into soft spots in the zone, has enough speed to stretch the middle of the field and adjusts well to the ball in the air. Add to that his athletic ability, and that makes him a good red-zone target for new QB Brian Hoyer and the 49er offense.

It is no secret Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch were shopping current tight end Vance McDonald during the draft. And with the additions of rookie Greg Kittle and free agent Logan Paulsen to go along with Garrett Celek and Blake Bell, there will be plenty of competition at the tight end position that seemed lacking in depth last season.

While Kittle has been getting a lot of press recently for his impressive OTA showing, I think Hikutini may carve out a roster spot with his pass-catching ability on a team that needs reliable receivers to help Hoyer move the offense consistently this upcoming season.