No. 1: 49ers Tight End George Kittle
All-Pro tight end George Kittle is San Francisco’s best player. There’s little questioning that.
He’s also the most important.
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Kittle’s record-setting ways need little introduction, and he’ll remain Jimmy Garoppolo’s top receiving target entering 2020 and will serve as a decoy for plays heading in other directions. As far as star power on the Niners roster, few come anywhere close to what Kittle currently has.
But just like Kyle Juszczyk, Kittle’s prowess on the field extends into the blocking game as well.
The 49ers were without Kittle for two regular-season games last season, as he was dealing with both ribs and ankle injuries. During that span, the rushing attack suffered to the point of 121 yards on 46 attempts and an average of 2.6 yards per carry.
With Kittle in the lineup, San Francisco averaged 4.8 yards per attempt.
Needless to say, Kittle does so much more for the 49ers offense, it’s hard to quantify everything in one place. It’s also why the Niners have to do whatever they can to keep him on the field as long as they can.
This season and beyond.