Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Laying out the depth chart after roster cuts

By Peter Panacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball to teammate Carlos Hyde #28 against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball to teammate Carlos Hyde #28 against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – OCTOBER 15: George Kittle #46 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs with a reception 22 yards for a first down against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first half of the game at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 15, 2016 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Iowa defeated Purdue 49-35. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – OCTOBER 15: George Kittle #46 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs with a reception 22 yards for a first down against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first half of the game at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 15, 2016 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Iowa defeated Purdue 49-35. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Tight End

George Kittle

Reserves: Logan Paulsen, Garrett Celek

Rookie tight end George Kittle became the de facto starter once the 49ers moved incumbent TE Vance McDonald, via a trade, to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this preseason.

Kittle does have all the promise. And plays like this one certainly should make Niners fans feel better about the impact this position could have in 2017:

Yet Kittle’s blocking still needs some work, which is why Logan Paulsen — a veteran known for his blocking abilities — easily made the roster.

The Niners waived rookie UDFA Cole Hikutini, who would be an excellent addition to the practice squad, if he clears waivers. Hikutini’s blocking is likely what kept him off the 53-man roster, but his pass-catching abilities are worth the spot.