4 backups SF 49ers should start over final 3 games of 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: SF 49ers Tight End Charlie Woerner
Giving rookie tight end Charlie Woerner an uptick in offensive snaps would be a wise move for a couple of reasons.
For starters, there’s the obvious “let’s see what the rookie can do” part of things. While sixth-round picks aren’t exactly bona fide contributors, meaningless football games for a non-playoff team afford the luxury of further evaluation here.
Plus, Woerner was brought aboard for his exceptional run-blocking skills at Georgia. Considering he’s seen a mere 12 percent of offensive snaps this season, there’s no harm in putting him into a more featured role.
Even if that’s just as an extra blocker to assist with the run game.
Fellow tight ends Ross Dwelley and Jordan Reed aren’t particularly great at blocking. And while Woerner’s route-running abilities were an abomination during training camp, those two receptions for a total of 33 yards against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13 were impressive enough to suggest he’s worth looking at more.
If anything, just to see if Woerner’s stock level is rising or if he’s merely going to be no better than a third-string option on the tight end depth chart.