George Kittle
George Kittle is already ready to be an above-average tight end in this league. Just take a look at this from Pro Football Focus:
George Kittle was a productive target when his quarterback was facing quick pressure in 2017. pic.twitter.com/UVI07xNdvj
— PFF (@PFF) July 21, 2018
PFF also ranked Kittle 10th in their tight end rankings (h/t Niners Nation), saying:
"Another player that has flashed big-time potential, Kittle now has a quarterback to take advantage of his skill set in Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers rookie caught 43 of the 61 passes thrown his way last year (70.5 percent), and broke eight tackles with the ball in his hands, averaging 6.2 yards per reception after the ball ended up in his hands. He has speed to burn and the potential to vault himself up this list."
Kittle had 515 yards last year, which may not seem like a lot. But he actually has the record for most yards by a rookie tight end drafted on day three. Kittle struggled with injuries and was part of a two tight end tandem with Garrett Celek. Another year with Jimmy Garoppolo would do wonders for his stats. Just see what happened last year when Jimmy G took the helm:
George Kittle finished the 2017 season with a big uptick in production. pic.twitter.com/oduICdSx58
— PFF (@PFF) July 26, 2018
The Jimmy G effect is real, but Kittle played a part in this
The tight end position is currently loaded in the NFL. Players like Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce make it hard for up comers to reach a Pro Bowl. In three years, that all could change. Gronkowski had publicly contemplated retirement, while other stalwarts like former 49er Delanie Walker are getting up in age.
If the offense progresses like expected, Kittle should ascend to the top tier of tight ends in the NFL.