49ers 53-man roster: Power ranking each unit entering 2021

6th: 49ers Tight Ends

Starter: George Kittle

Backups: Charlie Woerner, Ross Dwelley

The 49ers tight end group is up here because of one man: George Kittle.

His talent alone carries this position group, especially considering the lack of proven skill from his backups. Ross Dwelley has been adequate when called upon, and Charlie Woerner flashed in preseason but still has a long way to go.

When you compare that depth to the running back room, or even the offensive line, it doesn’t stack up nearly the same way.

Because Kittle is one of the Niners’ few true “blue-chip” players, someone who despite being a tight end, receives at the level of top receivers and blocks like a top lineman, the lack of depth with this position is easily outweighed.

Tight ends could see the biggest slip this season, with the receiving core turning potential into production and the Trey Lance/Jimmy Garoppolo duo showcasing a higher level of skill.

But for now, Kittle keeps the tight ends at sixth.