SF 49ers: Odds of each rookie making 53-man roster in 2020

SF 49ers Tight End Charlie Woerner: 5-to-4

The odds are a little higher for San Francisco’s sixth-round pick, tight end Charlie Woerner, than they are for Colton McKivitz, although the context is entirely different.

In Woerner’s case, it’ll depend highly on whether or not Kyle Shanahan elects to keep four tight ends on the 53-man roster, which he did for a good chunk of the 2019 season. Should this be the case, it’s likely to see Woerner in on clear run-blocking situations where he can use his best asset from his playing days at Georgia to his advantage.

Woerner was one of college football’s best blockers, and that’s why the 49ers drafted him. It’ll help take the pressure off the No. 1 tight end, George Kittle, and it’ll alleviate concerns about reserve tight ends, Ross Dwelley and Jordan Reed, having to expose themselves to more wear and tear in blocking situations.

But if Shanahan keeps only three tight ends, which is entirely possible given the question marks elsewhere, Woerner’s chances diminish significantly.

It doesn’t help Woerner wasn’t known for being an offensive threat, never having caught more than 11 passes in a single season at Georgia. As far as his route running has gone, Woerner looks like a player who only had that many passes in a single season and didn’t have the benefit of honing his skills during spring workouts.