Way-too-soon 49ers 4-round mock NFL Draft for 2023

Round 4, Pick No. 128 Overall: 49ers select TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah

Perhaps 2023 will finally be the year in which head coach Kyle Shanahan gets his perfect complementary tight end to pair with George Kittle.

The 49ers effectively punted on this desire during the 2022 draft, meaning Kittle will be supported by depth tight ends, Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner, among others in the mix. But Dwelley, who has modestly performed this role in previous seasons, will be a free agent after returning to the Niners on a one-year deal this season anyway.

Perhaps it’s time to restock the coffers.

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The 2023 NFL Draft is generally viewed as being better at the position than what was seen in 2022, meaning it wouldn’t be shocking to see San Francisco target someone like Utah’s Dalton Kincaid, a 6-foot-4 and 242-pound prospect who emerged as a red-zone threat for the Utes last season with eight touchdowns on 36 catches and 510 yards.

It’s yet to be determined if this was a one-year wonder-kind of season, though, meaning Kincaid’s stock could easily go in either direction, particularly because of his notable shortcomings in the blocking department.

In Round 4, though, the 49ers could do much worse.