4 needs 49ers failed to address during 2022 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers didn’t find a complementary tight end for George Kittle
For years now, head coach Kyle Shanahan has sought a good No. 2 tight end to pair with George Kittle, yet the fruits of those efforts haven’t exactly revealed much.
In fairness to Shanahan and Co., this year’s NFL Draft wasn’t exactly deep at the position, and there surely weren’t any clear-cut studs in the 2022 class, unlike last year’s draft with now-Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts.
So, there has to be some credit given to San Francisco for not reaching here. At the same time, however, the 49ers could have stood for an upgrade over depth tight ends like Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner.
Read More: 49ers score good grades for their efforts in 2022 NFL Draft
The Niners didn’t use any of their nine picks on a tight end, meaning both Dwelley and Woerner are likely safe in their respective roles this upcoming season. Dwelley, who saw his use diminish last season after a career-best 19 catches for 245 yards the year prior, is probably guaranteed that No. 2 job once again.
As far as Shanahan’s hopes to have two dynamic tight ends on the field at any given time, it looks as if that’ll have to wait until 2023 at the soonest.