49ers training camp: 5 players who won’t make roster after poor outings

49ers training camp player No. 4: TE Charlie Woerner

There’s no doubting San Francisco’s sixth-round draft addition, former Georgia tight end Charlie Woerner, is an exceptional blocker. That was his mantra in college and was a prime reason why the 49ers selected him in the first place. If anything, Woerner was pegged as a younger and cheaper replacement for another blocking-type player the Niners lost in free agency during the offseason, now-New York Giants tight end Levine Toilolo.

Warner’s blocking reputation showed up in training camp, and that’s good. It’s vital for a third-string tight end to have this kind of ability.

But Sports Illustrated’s Jose Sanchez’s review of Woerner’s route-running and pass-catching skills wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement:

"Watching Woerner run routes is grotesque. I see no way how the 49ers can trot him out there in Week 1. This is going to be a guy who the 49ers will need to work with heavily on just to get him to become a decent receiver. His skills as a blocker are top-tier. Even an experienced player will have some fits with him. But he needs to develop some skills as a receiver. Otherwise, it will be predictable as to what the play call for the 49ers. Practice squad seems like a lock for him at this point."

Complicating the matter is the Niners’ offseason additions of Jordan Reed and Erik Swoope, who cloud the position and will make it tougher for Woerner to land a spot behind George Kittle and presumed No. 2 or No. 3 tight end Ross Dwelley, depending on how Reed performs for the rest of camp.

For now, it’s looking as if San Francisco will want Woerner to marinate for a season on the practice squad.