Undrafted rookie tight end is putting himself on 49ers' radar in training camp

Mason Pline, the small-school undrafted free-agent tight end, could be carving out a niche role after a solid start to training camp.

The San Francisco 49ers are headlined at tight end by a particular All-Pro and fan-favorite, George Kittle.

After Kittle, the depth chart at the position is quite murky.

The Niners carry over a couple of names from last season, two second-year pros in Cameron Latu and Brayden Willis, the former spending his rookie year on injured reserve and the latter making scant contributions on special teams. Additionally, San Francisco inked veteran tight ends in free agency earlier this offseason, Logan Thomas and Eric Saubert.

Then, there's the undrafted rookie out of Furman, Mason Pline.

Pline, 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds, enjoyed a brief collegiate basketball career at Ferris State before hopping on the gridiron where he recorded 32 catches for 287 yards and four touchdowns in 2023.

Tabbed as someone with a wide catch radius and the ability to generate yards after the catch, it's feasible to assume Pline could be the 49ers' next undrafted free-agent gem.

Performing well in training camp will go a long way toward a coveted spot on the 53-man roster.

Mason Pline is off to a good start at 49ers training camp

There isn't much to base a full analysis on regarding Pline just yet, but the early reports are certainly promising.

Including this takeaway from the San Jose Mercury News' Cam Inman:

"Via JD" means from backup quarterback Josh Dobbs, who is widely believed to be the No. 2 signal-caller behind the starter, Brock Purdy, this season.

Aside from the "nice catch" part, working with Dobbs indicates Pline got some time in with the second-team unit with which Dobbs would primarily work during practices. Granted, quarterbacks and tight ends (all positions, honestly) swap from second- to third-string units all the time, so make of that what you will.

But, the fact Pline is getting reps above what one might expect from an undrafted rookie is definitely a plus.

This doesn't automatically put Pline ahead of others like Latu and Willis on the depth chart for the rest of summer, but it at least shows the rookie is making the most of what would otherwise be limited opportunities.

49ers TE depth chart is crowded but fluid for Mason Pline

Kittle is a lock on the roster, obviously. Thomas is essentially, too, but the rest of the crop is very much yet to be determined.

Assuming the Niners keep four tight ends on their 53-man roster, Pline will be locked in a battle with Latu, Willis and Saubert for one of two remaining spots.

What'll likely be the determining factors, aside from the obvious pass-catching abilities, will be whether or not Pline can demonstrate some flexibility in both blocking and on special teams, which is how Willis managed to carve out a depth role last season.

Coupled with Latu's well-documented struggles in camp last season before his injury, it's safe to say Pline has as good a shot as any other high-profile UDFA to emerge as a rostered player once camp is complete.

So far, so good.

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