While the idea of the 49ers drafting a tight end early seems silly, there's a mock draft out there that actually makes sense of it.
The San Francisco 49ers need defensive linemen, offensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs in this year's NFL Draft.
They need a tight end, too, but more of a complementary piece to the All-Pro, George Kittle.
Fortunately, this year's draft has plenty of quality tight ends, many of whom can be found in the later rounds.
So, it might be something of a surprise to see a name like Penn State's Tyler Warren pop up here and there as a tight end prospect San Francisco could potentially target with its first pick, No. 11 overall, later this April. After all, one would figure the 49ers would use that selection to address more pressing needs, waiting for "luxury" picks and depth until day three at the earliest.
However, one mock draft by Steve Serby of the New York Post tabs Warren as the Niners' top pick in Round 1.
Serby's justification:
"Double trouble with George Kittle to aid and abet Brock Purdy. Though defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, pounding the table for help, might have to be restrained in the war room."
Provocative. And not laughable.
Tyler Warren makes sense (and could fall) for 49ers
The 2025 draft is widely viewed as a weaker class, mostly boasting depth (particularly D-linemen, running backs and tight ends) rather than pure blue-chip players.
Warren, 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, is a mismatch nightmare and could be the 2025 equivalent to what the Las Vegas Raiders got last season in rookie All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers.
Tack on the fact the New Orleans Saints, a team frequently seen as Warren's landing spot at No. 9 overall, could be without quarterback Derek Carr in light of a potentially season-ending shoulder injury, and the possibility of Warren slipping to the Niners two picks later isn't totally unbelievable.
That's what Serby predicted, too, NOLA taking quarterback Shedeur Sanders ninth overall.
For San Francisco, the choice would then boil down to drafting for need or taking the best player available.
Warren certainly wouldn't fill an immediate need. Kittle, despite being on the wrong side of 30 years old, is still playing at an elite level. But head coach Kyle Shanahan has long sought a potent one-two punch at the position but has yet to deliver adequate results there.
In a year when the overall draft class lacks elite-level talent, perhaps the 49ers focus more on grabbing one of the draft's top talents rather than worrying about need.