Round 6, Pick No. 187 Overall (from Broncos): Trey Lance has 49ers select TE Derrick Deese, San Jose State
Tight ends are a young quarterback’s best friend. And even though Trey Lance can count upon George Kittle to be as reliable a pass-catching target as they come, it certainly wouldn’t hurt the Niners to explore a decent No. 2 option.
Sure, San Francisco already brought back Kittle’s primary backup over the last three years, Ross Dwelley, on a one-year deal. But Dwelley’s production dropped dramatically from 2020 to 2021, and he’s not even a lock to make the 53-man roster.
Instead, the 49ers look to get younger and potentially more dynamic by adding San Jose State tight end Derrick Deese, a 6-foot-4 and 235-pound prospect who managed 730 yards and four touchdowns over 12 games for the Spartans last season.
Despite being somewhat undersized and not the flashiest of route-runners, Deese nevertheless is a good-quality blocker with a wide receiver mentality.
Those traits will bode well to ensure the Niners guard against Kittle being absent for any period of time this upcoming season.