49ers 2020 NFL Draft needs: 3 late-round tight ends to target

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Tight End Thaddeus Moss #81 of the LSU Tigers raises his arms in victory after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Tight End Thaddeus Moss #81 of the LSU Tigers raises his arms in victory after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Thaddeus Moss #81 celebrates alongside teammates Saahdiq Charles #77 and Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Thaddeus Moss #81 celebrates alongside teammates Saahdiq Charles #77 and Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

There’s speculation the San Francisco 49ers could target a tight end late in the 2020 NFL Draft, and Niner Noise explores three players who could be possibilities.

It’s pretty easy to admit tight end isn’t the biggest priority for the San Francisco 49ers entering 2020.

At least not with the 2019 All-Pro, George Kittle, on the roster and looking to continue his rapid ascent to NFL stardom.

The 2020 NFL Draft isn’t overly deep at the position anyway, and those prospects who are available are likely to be found on the second and third days of the draft. And while the Niners aren’t going to use one of their two first-round draft picks to bolster the depth behind Kittle, it’s feasible and perhaps likely one of general manager John Lynch’s day-three picks winds up being used here.

It’s an idea prompted by reports San Francisco was in on the free agency targeting of now-Cleveland Browns tight end Austin Hooper, who played under head coach Kyle Shanahan when both were with the Atlanta Falcons in 2016.

Hooper is far more than a depth piece, and the 49ers surely have room for depth anyway. Particularly after losing veteran blocking tight end Levine Toilolo in free agency to the New York Giants.

Two other names on the Niners roster, Ross Dwelley and Daniel Helm, also create some interest. But if San Francisco is eagerly looking to complement Kittle with another dynamic pass catcher at the position, it’ll have to come from the late rounds.

Remember, Kittle was a fifth-round pick. So it’s always a possibility to land another proverbial “diamond in the rough.”

If so, these five day-three tight ends should intrigue Shanahan and the 49ers in this year’s NFL Draft.