49ers: Grading each position heading into 2018 training camp

San Francisco 49ers: Grading each position heading into 2018 training camp

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Solomon Thomas #94 and Eli Harold #57 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after the Seattle Seahawks missed a field goal attempt at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 29: Garrett Celek #88 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 29, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

C-. . . . TIGHT END

The 49ers will roll largely with the same crop of tight ends carried over from 2017.

That’s not a bad thing at all, considering then-rookie TE George Kittle ended up having a historic first year for all the right reasons.

Kittle likely surpasses veteran tight end Garrett Celek on the depth chart, although Celek managed to flourish a bit under Kyle Shanahan last year too. His four touchdown receptions in 2017 marked a career high.

One might question why San Francisco’s tight ends would receive a C-minus grade then.

In the grand scheme of things (comparing this unit to the rest of the NFL), it would be nice to see the Niners boast a true mismatch nightmare at the position. Or, at least, a pair of dual tight ends capable of creating all kinds of issues for opposing defenses.

The 49ers aren’t there yet. And while the 49ers have a solid tandem in this group, it’s far from being considered an elite unit.