49ers: Predicting 2018 starting lineup after opening wave of free agency

Predicting the 49ers’ 2018 starting lineup after opening wave of NFL free agency

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Blake Countess #24 of the Los Angeles Rams chases George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers on a short pass play during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Tight End

George Kittle

We’ve said it a few times already, but 2017 rookie tight end George Kittle ended up having a historic season last year.

As Niner Noise’s Chris Wilson pointed out, no other Round 5-or-later tight end in the modern history of the NFL had more receptions (43) and receiving yards (515) than Kittle a season ago. And if you subscribe to the idea players make their biggest jumps between years one and two of their pro careers, things should be looking up for the former Iowa prospect.

Could the Niners have brought in a bona fide red-zone threat, such as the now-Green Bay Packers’ Jimmy Graham?

Sure. But that would have stunted Kittle’s development. It appears as if the 49ers have a find here anyway.

Why change it?