Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Grading the 2017 NFL Draft class after one full year

By Peter Panacy

Solomon Thomas of Stanford with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked #3 overall by the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Solomon Thomas of Stanford with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked #3 overall by the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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49ers Kittle
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

. Tight End. Iowa. GEORGE KITTLE. A+

If John Lynch made a mistake with Joe Williams, he more than made up for it with his two selections in Round 5, the first of which was former Iowa tight end George Kittle.

Kittle slipped late, as Iowa’s offense didn’t feature him much. As a pro, though, Kittle ended up turning into one of the more reliable pass catchers on San Francisco’s roster.

His 43 receptions and 515 receiving yards ranked third and second on the 49ers offense, respectively, those same numbers ended up being the highest out of any tight end selected in Round 5 or later in modern NFL history.

Niner Noise’s Chris Wilson broke down why Kittle’s rookie year was so special.

Related Story: 49ers TE George Kittle's rookie year was historic

Kittle had some drop issues this year. But his overall impact and historic first year more than makes up for it.

Simply put, he’s been a gem.