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San Francisco 49ers: Post-free agency 2019 NFL Draft mock

By Peter Panacy

Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tommy Sweeney #89 of the Boston College Eagles makes a catch ahead of Da’Quaun Jamison #6 of the Central Michigan Chippewas during the first quarter at Alumni Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tommy Sweeney #89 of the Boston College Eagles makes a catch ahead of Da’Quaun Jamison #6 of the Central Michigan Chippewas during the first quarter at Alumni Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

The 49ers already have an elite tight end, George Kittle. What they could stand for, however, is a solid No. 2 option behind Kittle. Heck, even an up-and-coming No. 3 option would be a bonus, as that spot was largely a void on San Francisco’s roster a year ago.

Currently, the backup tight end position is held by the veteran, Garrett Celek, who’ll turn 31 years old before training camp.

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Celek had an impressive 2017 campaign, yes, earning the “Celek Time” moniker. But that didn’t repeat in 2018, as Celek ended up receiving more accepted penalties (six) than receptions (five) on the year. His stock is trending down, and it would be wise for the Niners to find an eventual replacement and backup to Kittle.

Boston College’s Tommy Sweeney doesn’t have anywhere near the profile as some of the other well-known prospects in this year’s NFL Draft.

That said, he’s a willing and capable blocker. And his hands are exceptional, too.

True, Sweeney isn’t the best route runner and he’s not going to rip off the huge chunks of yardage in Kittle’s mold. Despite that, however, Sweeney’s underneath abilities would take a lot of pressure off Kittle and give quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo a nice safety blanket if his other pass catchers are covered.

Remember, defenses almost never have overly effective schemes against sets involving multiple pass-catching tight ends.

Next. Ranking 49ers' top 3 priorities for the 2019 NFL Draft. dark

The 2019 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 25 at 8 p.m. ET.