Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 2019 NFL Draft tracker with grades and analysis

By Chris Wilson

"THE PICK IS IN" for the San Francisco 49ers during the 2018 NFL Draft (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
"THE PICK IS IN" for the San Francisco 49ers during the 2018 NFL Draft (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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CORVALLIS, OR – OCTOBER 26: Kaden Smith #82 of the Stanford Cardinal signals first down after making a catch on fourth down against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on October 26, 2017 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
CORVALLIS, OR – OCTOBER 26: Kaden Smith #82 of the Stanford Cardinal signals first down after making a catch on fourth down against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on October 26, 2017 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

While the 49ers may get creative using Jalen Hurd in various offensive packages, there’s still a considerable need to add some depth at tight end behind George Kittle.

Hurd can be pretty provocative as a receiver, yet he has a long way to go before emerging as a bona fide blocker.

Right now, that job belongs to veteran tight end Garrett Celek, who had more accepted penalties against last season (six) that receptions (five).

On top of that, it was only a matter of time before John Lynch and the 49ers tapped into their Stanford connections, electing to grab Kaden Smith — a 6-foot-5, 252-pound two-year standout in college, who managed 1,049 receiving yards with seven touchdowns the last two seasons.

Smith is a pretty good blocker, too, which helps increase the possibility he usurps Celek on the depth chart. Even if he doesn’t, the depth behind Celek isn’t particularly good, either.

With some questionable moves in Rounds 4 and 5, this might be the Niners’ best move on day three so far.

Grade: B