Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Way-too-early 53-man roster projections for 2019

By Robert Morrison

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Members of the San Francisco 49ers line up in the tunnel to take the field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Members of the San Francisco 49ers line up in the tunnel to take the field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch against Will Parks #34 of the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch against Will Parks #34 of the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Tight End (2): George Kittle, Kaden Smith

Pro Bowler George Kittle is a superstar now, but he also brings a lot to the table in terms of blocking ability. The second tight end slot has been a little lacking, with Garrett Celek filing the role over the last few years, with various blocking tight ends as a third.

But the veteran looks likely to lose his job to the 49ers’ sixth-round pick, Stanford’s Kaden Smith, who looks to bring more of a threat as a receiver, even if he needs to continue to work on his blocking.

The addition of Jalen Hurd might make a third tight end unnecessary, as Kyle Shanahan has already suggested the third rounder out of Baylor might be able to feature, not only as a wideout, but as a H-back and a move TE as well.