Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Early 53-man roster predictions for 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers signalsto his team during their NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers signalsto his team during their NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a game tying touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a game tying touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

Tight End (3)

George Kittle, Garrett Celek, Cole Hikutini

A while back, Niner Noise’s Chris Wilson pointed out how 2017 rookie tight end George Kittle‘s debut season was historic, writing:

"Kittle finished the 2017 season with 43 receptions and 515 receiving yards — more than any tight end, drafted in the fifth round or later, in the history of the league."

Notable. And a good sign for the 49ers offense heading into this season.

Meanwhile, No. 2 tight end Garrett Celek enjoyed a near-career high year in 2017, registering 21 receptions and 336 receiving yards, while posting an all-time best four touchdowns. He’ll likely take a backseat to Kittle this season but proved he can be a useful weapon for head coach Kyle Shanahan.

2017 undrafted free agent, Cole Hikutini, cracks the roster, given his pass-catching abilities. But he likely spends much of the year on the team’s inactive list.