Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 10 most important players in 2018

By Aaron Tan

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 11
Next
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)
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) /

No. 6: Tight End George Kittle

Just like Adrian Colbert, George Kittle was a steal in the draft, being picked in the fifth round last year.

Despite being such a low pick, Kittle has already developed into one of the most well-rounded tight ends in the league.

At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Kittle can block on rushing downs to open holes for the running back. His frame also allows him to snag jump balls over defenders.

Kittle also ran a 4.52 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine last year, which is great for a tight end. His speed and strength combined made him into a YAC (yards after catch) monster last year, often breaking tackles to get into the open field.

The only problem that Kittle experienced in his rookie season was his inconsistent ability to catch. The former Iowa tight end committed more than a couple of drops early in the season, some of which cost the team some wins. However, it did seem to get better late in the season when Garoppolo was in the starting lineup.

Kittle has sky-high potential for a tight end. I believe that he has a good chance to develop into one of the best tight ends in the league this year.