Rethinking 49ers 53-man roster predictions one week into training camp
By Peter Panacy
Tight End (3)
George Kittle, Kaden Smith, Levine Toilolo
The 49ers have tweaked their tight end grouping a bit over the past few days, although it’s going to be hard arguing about the three who make the cut for Week 1.
Garrett Celek, who is recovering from offseason back surgery, is on the physically unable-to-play (PUP) list. It’s possible he won’t be ready by Week 1, and the Niners may as well keep him as a depth insurance policy, making that roster decision later. San Francisco inked veteran tight end Niles Paul, parting ways with him shortly afterwards in favor of rookie Daniel Helm, who was claimed from the Chargers.
George Kittle, of course, is the bona fide stud at tight end No. 1. After that, things get interesting.
It’s going to be hard ruling out another rookie, Stanford’s Kaden Smith, from a roster spot. Despite being a sixth-round draft pick and not exactly boasting great speed, Smith is versatile and seems to be an epitome of Kyle Shanahan’s “positionless” offense.
The No. 3 spot is interesting, though. One player to watch is undrafted rookie Tyree Mayfield out of Wyoming, whose special teams abilities give him a chance.
Still, Levine Toilolo is an exceptional blocking tight end, and San Francisco would be wise to keep a player of his caliber on the roster for that point alone.