SF 49ers: Grading 2020 rookie NFL Draft class after one season

Round 6: SF 49ers Tight End Charlie Woerner

The SF 49ers spent much of the offseason looking to find a complementary piece for All-Pro tight end George Kittle.

And while Georgia tight end Charlie Woerner wasn’t exactly projected to be that kind of player, particularly in light of him being a blocking specialist only at the collegiate level and not a pass-catcher, his early impressions in training camp weren’t particularly great.

Woerner’s route-running skills were ugly, and those certainly impacted his usage on the field. When Woerner saw offensive snaps, it was a clear indication of a run play, thereby announcing what Kyle Shanahan was going to do on that particular play.

Fortunately, Woerner had a few moments where he was involved in the passing game, hauling in three receptions for 36 yards.

If Woerner can build on that, he might be a bit more useful to Shanahan’s long-term game plans.

As far as Woerner’s blocking went, his pass-protection efforts were a bit better than what he did in run blocking, although the latter element might improve in time like many a tight end can showcase.

Early results aren’t great, but the expectation level was pretty low, to begin with.