Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 changes Kyle Shanahan needs to make in 2019

By Timothy L. Miller

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during warm up prior to their game against the Oakland Raiders at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during warm up prior to their game against the Oakland Raiders at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field after defeating the Oakland Raiders 34-3 in their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field after defeating the Oakland Raiders 34-3 in their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Get the ball in tight end George Kittle’s hands

Over the course of the 49ers’ 2018, season two indisputable facts have emerged. Defensive lineman Deforest Buckner is one of the top two at his position in the NFL. Tight end George Kittle has been the best player drafted by John Lynch thus far.

In only his second season, after being taken in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Iowa, Kittle leads all tight ends in the NFC in receiving yards. He was just elected to his first Pro Bowl and is an elite blocker.

Kyle Shanahan must find ways to get the ball in Kittle’s hands more often in 2019. Already leading the 49ers with 72 receptions, there are few other options for Nick Mullens when he drops back to pass, outside Kittle.

There should be little doubt that the 49ers will be looking to add a veteran performer at wide receiver this offseason. Making that addition will also provide more space for Kittle, who is the focus of every defense the 49ers face this year. This should allow Shanahan, one of the best play designers in the league, to come up with creative ways to get the ball in the hands of the 250-pound tight end.

It’s should be frightening for the other NFC West teams to know that Kittle is only 25 years old. Barring injury, those teams will get a front-row seat to the development of Kittle in the hands of one of the leagues per-imminent play callers.