Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting a Week 1 53-man roster, depth chart for 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: The San Francisco 49ers huddle 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: The San Francisco 49ers huddle 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) /
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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) /

Tight End (3)

George Kittle, Garrett Celek, Cole Hikutini

Not much to report on here.

George Kittle‘s 2017 season was historic. No other rookie tight end, taken in Round 5 or later in the modern football era, posted as many receptions (43) or receiving yards (515) than Kittle did a year ago. And while he only started seven games last season, look for him to be bumped up the depth chart over the veteran, Garrett Celek.

That doesn’t mean Celek loses out on his overall impact, though.

Related Story: Tight end George Kittle's rookie season was historic

This piece, by the Read Optional’s Oliver Connolly, described how Celek emerged as a key piece within Kyle Shanahan’s offense last year. By doing a bit of everything well, Celek remains a key linchpin in San Francisco’s offense.

And opposing defenses hate two-tight end sets with legitimate pass catchers.

To round out the roster, the 49ers plug in second-year pro Cole Hikutini who, despite worrisome blocking abilities, might be the most explosive receiving target out of this group.