Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting best- and worst-case roles for 49ers’ 2019 NFL Draft picks

By Robert Morrison

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa is greeted by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked 2nd overall by the San Francisco 49ers on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa is greeted by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked 2nd overall by the San Francisco 49ers on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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PALO ALTO, CA – NOVEMBER 25: Kaden Smith #82 of the Stanford Cardinal catches a touchdown pass while covered by Shaun Crawford #20 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Stanford Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA – NOVEMBER 25: Kaden Smith #82 of the Stanford Cardinal catches a touchdown pass while covered by Shaun Crawford #20 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Stanford Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

TE Kaden Smith

Best case: Smith leaps past Garrett Celek and the other veteran tight ends on the roster, taking over as Kittle’s primary backup and the second tight end in 12- and 22-personnel formations. He’ll also give Shanahan even more freedom in moving Kittle around the formation.

Smith might not have a ton of targets, but he’ll often make the most of what he gets, showing more speed than his combine 40-yard dash would suggest. His height will also prove quite useful in the red zone.

With other teams blanketing Kittle and the 49ers’ other receiving options, Smith will find himself open in scoring position, so he’ll see higher touchdown numbers than his overall receptions would suggest.

Worst case: The former Stanford man fails to beat out Celek or even Ross Dwelley, and ends up on the practice squad, where he’ll have a year to develop the weaker parts of his game.

Given his status as a sixth-round draft pick, this isn’t terribly surprising, but it is disappointing. Hopefully, Smith clears waivers and ends up with the team that drafted him.

Prediction: I think Smith stands a very good shot to make the team, even if Celek manages to stick around. If the veteran is still a 49er when the season starts, Smith’s production will be negligible — if he even makes the game-day roster most weeks.

If not, expect opportunities to come his way, given all the other offensive weapons opposing defenses have to pay attention to this year.