San Francisco 49ers: Ranking top 3 offensive needs ahead of NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Tight End
San Francisco doesn’t need a prolific pass-catching tight end in the NFL Draft. The Niners already boast the best one in the league in 2019 All-Pro George Kittle.
Yet the depth behind Kittle has some question marks. Blocking tight end Levine Toilolo ended up signing a two-year deal with the New York Giants during the offseason, and the only remaining options on the depth chart right now are Ross Dwelley and Daniel Helm.
Dwelley had some moments in relief of Kittle last season. But he’s far from the likable blocking option both Kittle and Toilolo are, and there’s a thought the Niners could be seeking another tight end anyway.
At least according to reports the 49ers targeted now-Cleveland Browns tight end Austin Hooper in free agency.
This suggests John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan will want to find another complementary weapon to Kittle at this position, which is aided by the idea few NFL defenses are adequately equipped to defend against two prolific pass-catching tight ends.
Look for San Francisco to use one of its day-three picks to find another hidden-gem player at this position.