49ers: Player locks for San Francisco's starting positions in 2018

San Francisco 49ers: Player locks for starting positions in 2018

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Adrian Colbert #38 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Tavarres King #12 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring on a eight-yard touchdown catch 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

George Kittle

2017 rookie tight end George Kittle only started seven games for San Francisco but ended up having a historic season anyway, as Niner Noise’s Chris Wilson broke down shortly after the year’s conclusion.

Kittle’s 43 receptions for 515 yards were the most from any tight end drafted in Round 5, or later, during the modern NFL era.

That’s pretty special.

And while fellow TE Garrett Celek also ended up being a prominent piece in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense this season, the likelihood of the offense putting Kittle into a more prominent role in 2018 makes him a lock to start.