Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Training camp battles to watch at each position

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 02: Patrick Willis #52 works out during the San Francisco 49ers training camp at their training complex on August 2, 2010 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 02: Patrick Willis #52 works out during the San Francisco 49ers training camp at their training complex on August 2, 2010 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/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) /

Tight End: Levine Toilolo vs. Kaden Smith

Behind Pro Bowler George Kittle, the 49ers don’t exactly have a clear answer at tight end. And considering how few defenses are built to guard against dual pass-catching tight ends, getting some production from the No. 2 man at this spot would be exceptionally valuable.

But who?

It seems the Niners are going to move on from the veteran, Garrett Celek, before Week 1. He remains in the concussion protocol, and he might have been in danger of losing a roster spot anyway.

During the offseason, San Francisco added two tight ends who could feasibly earn the backup spot by Week 1: Levine Toilolo and the rookie, Stanford’s Kaden Smith.

Smith is the better pass catcher and a fairly dynamic receiver, decent at run blocking, too.

Yet Toilolo is far superior in pass blocking, making him a solid choice to the 53-man roster by that alone. And given Toilolo already has experience working in Kyle Shanahan’s offense from their days together with the Atlanta Falcons, it’s not hard to see why this position battle should be one to watch.