49ers 2019 mock NFL Draft: What if San Francisco trades down in Round 1?

What’s better than one tight end who can generate massive yards after the catch?

If your answer was two tight ends who can generate massive yards after the catch, you’re right.

San Francisco already has one, George Kittle, who set the single-season NFL record for most yardage by a tight end with 1,377 in 2018. But the 49ers didn’t get any kind of production whatsoever from No. 2 tight end Garrett Celek, who ended up having more penalties (six) last year than receptions (five).

Thankfully, this year’s NFL Draft is awfully deep at the position, affording San Francisco the chance to use yet another late-round pick on a player with a high ceiling.

That would be Texas A&M’s Jace Sternberger, who averaged an impressive 17.3 yards per reception in 2018.

And consider this, from The Draft Network’s Jon Ledyard:

"Size and athleticism are excellent. Offers long speed and run-after-catch ability that few tight ends possess. Length and catch radius to snag balls outside his frame. Will go up and compete in tight windows for contested catch balls. Subtle nastiness to his game, fearless over the middle and will focus to reel in balls despite contact. Doesn’t go down easily post-catch."

If you didn’t know that was a description for Sternberger, you could assume it was for Kittle.

Remember, few NFL defenses are equipped to handle dual tight end threats. Adding a player like Sternberger would make Kittle that more potent, also giving the 49ers yet another explosive weapon at extreme value.