49ers: Creating San Francisco's ideal starting lineup for 2018

San Francisco 49ers: Creating the ideal starting lineup for 2018

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Garrett Celek #88 after Celek caught a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers catches the ball for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Tight End

George Kittle

No changes to the starting lineup here. Second-year tight end George Kittle has quickly emerged as one of the better players at his position this season. In a few years, when big names like the New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski or the Green Bay Packers’ Jimmy Graham, are out of the league, Kittle might be the player the rest of the NFL is talking about.

After all, Kittle is on pace to have 1,144 receiving yards this season. When was the last time the 49ers had a 1,000-plus-yard pass catcher at tight end?

Not even now-Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis ever reached that mark during his lengthy San Francisco tenure.

If there is a question mark at the position, it has to do with No. 2 tight end Garrett Celek, who seems to have run out of “Celek Time.”

Celek’s propensity for holds and dropped passes has plagued the Niners offense this season. So it might be worthy to find an upgrade at this backup spot this offseason.