Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 best players in 2018 through Week 7

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates his touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates his touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Tight End George Kittle

It’s been tough to watch the Niners passing game ever since quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered his season-ending ACL injury in Week 3. Wide receivers have mostly been absent, and backup QB C.J. Beathard has been up and down in his emergency fill-in role.

So it goes for San Francisco.

But there’s a massive positive on offense. Tight end George Kittle.

Kittle is easily the team’s best NFL Draft pick from a year ago, currently leading all 49ers pass catchers with 527 receiving yards on 32 catches. Only the Philadelphia Eagles’ Zach Ertz and the Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce have more.

To put things into perspective, check out this number from our friend Al Sacco over at 49ers Webzone:

Kittle is San Francisco’s best weapon on offense right now. He has shown vast improvement over what was already an impressive rookie season in 2017.

And with the Niners lacking true playmakers on that side of the ball, at least the team can take comfort knowing they appear to have what looks to be a standout player at such a prime position.

dark. Next. 3 positive takeaways from 49ers' Week 7 loss to Rams

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