49ers 2020 training camp: One battle to watch for each position

49ers Tight End: Charlie Woerner to Overtake Ross Dwelley?

The Niners need not worry about who starts at tight end, particularly with All-Pro George Kittle in the mix.

Behind Kittle, though, there are some notable questions.

San Francisco lost its primary blocking tight end, Levine Toilolo, during the offseason. With Garrett Celek now retired, Kittle’s backups now consist of Ross Dwelley, Daniel Helm and the rookie, Charlie Woerner, whose accolades at Georgia consisted almost entirely of blocking duties and not so many pass-catching responsibilities.

Woerner had no more than 11 receptions in a single season during his entire four-year collegiate career. Kittle never had more than 22, though, so college stats don’t always tell the entire story.

Dwelley was never the blocker Woerner is. And while the former had some key moments during the period when Kittle was injured last season, it’s not out of the question to assume Kyle Shanahan is looking at the rookie, not Dwelley, as someone who can quickly ascend the depth chart.

If Woerner showcases a bit more pass-catching value, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him on the field a lot more this season, freeing up Kittle from his own blocking assignments and allowing him to be the true offensive weapon he is.