Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 2017 midterm positional grades after Week 8

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a four-yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a four-yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 11
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a game tying touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a game tying touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

Tight End

The 49ers committed to youth at tight end, opting to trade away Vance McDonald to the Pittsburgh Steelers and jettisoning the veteran, Logan Paulsen, re-signing him and then jettisoning him again.

As a result, the remaining crop consists of two rookies, George Kittle and Cole Hikutini, along with veteran Garrett Celek.

Live Feed

2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock /

FanSided

  • NFL rumors: 49ers have already discussed Aaron Rodgers backup plan FanSided
  • Madden 24 cover athlete prediction: Five deserving stars App Trigger
  • 2023 NFL Draft bold predictions: Trey Lance joins Minnesota Vikings, Browns don't trade up Dawg Pound Daily
  • NFL Power Rankings based on Super Bowl Odds Prior to 2023 NFL Draft Betsided
  • NFL rumors: Insider reveals likelihood of Trey Lance trade FanSided

    • Hikutini, an undrafted free agent, won’t be much of a factor until he can figure out his blocking. Over three games played, he has just two receptions for 15 yards.

    Kittle, on the other hand, has had a few moments of promise. But as far as a breakout-type player, we should be asking for much more.

    What the 49ers Are Doing Well

    It makes sense why the Niners kept Celek on the roster this season — his run blocking.

    This was never a strength of Hikutini in college, and Kittle’s run-blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus, is a lowly 43.2. Celek’s, on the other hand, stands at 79.1. But Kittle certainly has the upper hand in the passing game, ranking third on the offense with 24 receptions and 250 receiving yards.

    With some development, Kittle could wind up being a nice factor for San Francisco’s offense, provided he holds onto the ball.

    What Needs Improvement

    Drops have been a major problem for San Francisco this season. And while wide receiver Marquise Goodwin has been the subject of many, Kittle actually leads the team in dropped passes (four), according to Fox Sports.

    This is directly related to the Niners’ inability to adequately pass block, but it would be nice to see San Francisco’s tight ends become more of a factor in the passing game.

    While somewhat promising, Kittle’s 250 yards through the air isn’t exactly a promising split for a No. 1 TE.

    Grade: D