49ers roster 2021: Bubble watch ahead of preseason Week 1
By Peter Panacy
49ers Bubble Watch: Tight End
Lock: Ross Dwelley, George Kittle
Strong Bubble: MyCole Pruitt
Weak Bubble: Jordan Matthews, Charlie Woerner
Long Shot: Joshua Perkins
Once again, the back end of San Francisco’s tight end depth chart is interesting.
No questioning the All-Pro, George Kittle‘s presence as one of the NFL’s top threats. And it’s been nice to see No. 2 tight end Ross Dwelley ascending and looking even better than before during training camp.
After that, though, things get provocative.
The 49ers’ second-year pro, Charlie Woerner, made a name for himself by being an excellent blocker, but he’s an atrocious route-runner. So it’s not too big a surprise the Niners added a veteran, MyCole Pruitt, this offseason as a competition piece and potential upgrade.
Pruitt is effective as a blocker, too, but has a far greater upside as a receiving threat. That’ll be important for a No. 3 tight end role.
On the flip side of the receiving-blocking equation, former wide receiver Jordan Matthews’ transition to tight end makes for an interesting storyline. As a pass-catching threat, Matthews has some promise in his first year at a new position.
Too bad he’s not much of a blocker, and that could ultimately hinder his chances of making the 53-man roster.