49ers roster: 5 most important offensive players entering 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 2 Most Important Offensive Player for 49ers: TE George Kittle
Yes, San Francisco has a trio of legitimate pass-catching weapons in George Kittle and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.
But few would question the realization Kittle is clearly the best and most vital to the 49ers offense out of the three. And it’s not just because of Kittle’s prolific records he’s already reached, including being the previous single-season receiving-yards holder at his position, having the most receptions and receiving yards for a rookie tight end drafted in Round 5 or later and boasting the most tight end receiving yards out of anybody over the first three years of his career.
Kittle is a decoy in the passing game. When he’s not getting targets, he’s at least commanding an opponent’s best defender or a multitude of defenders, thereby opening up opportunities for other receivers.
And few need to be educated on just how excellent Kittle is in run blocking, which makes him the NFL’s best all-around tight end by far.
Related Story: George Kittle injury history, outlook for 2021
Unfortunately, Kittle does have a bit of an injury reputation, which has highlighted just how vital he’s been to the Niners offense. Much like the situation at center, San Francisco’s offense hasn’t functioned anywhere near full capacity when Kittle has been out of the lineup.
Hopefully, for the All-Pro tight end, a clean slate of health awaits him in 2021.