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San Francisco 49ers: Early 2018 stat predictions for top offensive players

By Jeremy Wohlfart

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass as Zane Beadles #68 blocks Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass as Zane Beadles #68 blocks Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/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)
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) /

2. George Kittle

If there’s one position I feel is undervalued, it’s the tight end position. They never seem to be drafted high despite the fact they should ideally be quick enough to be a receiver, big and strong enough to be a blocker and be a big threat in the red zone.

So of course, a good tight end is a must in any potent offense. George Kittle may not (yet) be elite, but he has proven very good.

We’ve said it before, but Kittle broke records last season. He barreled his way up the depth chart to more playing time. And while he didn’t start any of the games last year with Jimmy Garoppolo, I believe he’s now he’s ready for a breakout season.

With Garoppolo starting, Kittle recorded 15 catches for 224 yards and a touchdown. They’re solid numbers, and it’s worth noting the first two of those games were only four catches for 30 yards, as well as the fact he didn’t actually start any of those games.

As the games rolled on, the Garoppolo to Kittle connection got stronger and stronger. I expect this to roll on to Week 1 with Kittle serving as a dependable intermediate target.

Season Prediction: 50 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns