49ers training camp: 5 UDFAs with best chance to make 53-man roster
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Tight End Cole Hikutini
Rookie tight end George Kittle has received much of the publicity at his position entering training camp, and for all the right reasons.
But Kittle missed practice on August 2 with a hamstring injury, which opened up the door for UDFA TE Cole Hikutini to get some work with the first-team unit.
And according to KNBR 680’s Kevin Jones, Hikutini didn’t disappoint:
Undrafted TE Cole Hikutini had multiple catches and saw first-team reps. He took advantage of George Kittle missing practice
— Kevin Jones (@Mr_KevinJones) July 31, 2017
Tight end could be a position the 49ers completely overhaul in 2017. Players like Kittle, Hikutini and free-agent pickup, the veteran Logan Paulsen, could push out incumbents like Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek and Blake Bell.
McDonald was already the subject of trade talks earlier this offseason, and neither Celek nor Bell look like long-term options.
Based off the early returns, it’s looking like Hikutini could be a surprise addition.