49ers’ 2019 ‘Who Is?’ series: Tight end Ross Dwelley

The San Francisco 49ers shook up their tight end crop this offseason, meaning an uncertain future awaits third-year pro Ross Dwelley, whose the subject of this “Who Is?” piece on Niners players in 2019.

Last year, it was going to be a long shot for then-undrafted tight end Ross Dwelley to make the San Francisco 49ers‘ 53-man roster. After all, the Niners already had high hopes on George Kittle in 2018, and he was backed up by the veteran, Garrett Celek. Fellow undrafted free-agent tight end Cole Hikutini looked to have a far better shot.

As such, Dwelley started his pro career off on the practice squad, yet found himself promoted to the 53-man roster in October.

The former University of San Diego product didn’t exactly impact the stat sheet, yet he still managed to be active for 11 games last season, hauling in two passes for 14 yards.

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In total, the 6-foot-5, 240-pound Dwelley saw just 39 offensive snaps for the 49ers last season, yet appeared on over a third of the team’s special teams plays over the course of 2018.

If Dwelley hopes to crack the roster again in 2019, he’ll have to make it by that account, while also hoping the Niners’ offseason changes at the position don’t push him out of the equation.

Why Ross Dwelley Improves in 2019

Considering the fact Celek had only five receptions last year, there’s a chance Dwelley might see an uptick in looks between now and training camp. Celek remains in the concussion protocol after suffering the injury in Week 16 last year, so that gives Dwelley additional chances in organized team activities.

Dwelley needs to remain a special teams contributor, as that’s crucial for most backups. But he’ll have to deal with the chances of being a more reliable target and pass-catching option — something he didn’t exactly get the opportunity to do much last season.

If he winds up emerging as a decent pass catcher, he could wind up holding onto that No. 3 spot on the depth chart.

Why Ross Dwelley Regresses

It’s hard to get those extra looks when the team has more invested elsewhere. While Kittle’s role is established, the No. 2 spot on the depth chart looks to be a fight between Celek, recently signed Levine Toilolo and the 49ers’ sixth-round NFL Draft pick from this year, Kaden Smith.

This will likely push Dwelley down into work with the third-team unit, which won’t bode too well for his chances. And he won’t get the opportunity to work as much under the observation of head coach Kyle Shanahan and his staff.

Dwelley also isn’t too adept at blocking, and his straight-line speed isn’t overly impressive. Those traits won’t help his chances much, either.

Chances of Making the 49ers’ 53-Man Roster in 2019

For now, Dwelley is on the weaker side of the roster bubble. Celek’s injury opens up a slightly better chance, and the situation at tight end behind Kittle remains somewhat fluid. That said, Toilolo is a solid blocker and has an excellent shot. San Francisco’s recent investment in Smith likely means he’s favored over Dwelley, too.

In reality, Dwelley is competing for another practice squad spot this season, perhaps with undrafted rookie tight end Tyree Mayfield out of Wyoming, who had some impressive moments in rookie minicamp earlier this spring.

Dwelley does have last year’s experience going for him, and it appears as if San Francisco likes him on special teams.

Whether or not that’ll be enough to make it through post-preseason cuts is anyone’s guess. But it’s safe to say Dwelley has an uphill battle to be on the roster in Week 1.