With the second pick in the fifth round (146 overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers have selected Iowa tight end George Kittle. He joins his former Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard, who was selected by the 49ers in the third round.
Kittle redshirted in 2012 and was a reserve in 2013 and 2014. In 2015, he got more playing time, starting six of Iowa's 14 games and catching 20 passes for 290 yards and a team-high six touchdowns. Last year, Kittle was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick after starting 11 games and catching 22 passes for 314 yards and four touchdowns despite being limited by a foot injury the second half of the season.
NFL.com projected that Kittle would be selected in round 4 of the NFL Draft.
Pro Football Focus stats to know: Has only allowed a single quarterback pressure over the last two seasons combined. Earned the second-highest run blocking grade (79.6) in 2016 among the TE draft class.
"H-back type who lacks the desired size for in-line blocking but certainly has the technique and willingness to do it. He has good hands and flashes an ability to challenge as a pass catcher on all three levels. Kittle has the athleticism and blocking ability to become an effective move tight end if paired in the right system."
"Kittle has the athleticism to be a receiving mismatch at the next level though it's his blocking that makes him a perfect fit as a No. 2 tight end capable of playing in a "move" role. He can separate from linebackers and safeties, whether attached to the formation or in the slot, and while he'll likely never be a dominant in-line run blocker, Kittle projects as a useful matchup option in a two-tight end offense."
Measurables
Height: 6-4
Weight: 247 lbs.
Arm length: 33 1/8 inches
Hand length: 9 1/4 inches
49ers hosting Iowa TE Erick All on pre-draft visit
By David Bonilla
Apr 15
According to Damond Talbot of NFL Draft Diamonds, the San Francisco 49ers are hosting former Iowa tight end Erick All on a pre-draft visit.
"Erick All is a beast on the field, I would not be shocked to see a team like the Niners draft him and beat teams with him like they do with [TE George] Kittle week in and week out," Talbot wrote.
STOP SLEEPING ON Erick All! | Former Iowa Tight End has had 6 Top-30 visits https://t.co/BdgyvUeUps All has Top-30 visits with the
George Kittle hopes 49ers offense can 'take another step forward'
By David Bonilla
Apr 12
George Kittle recently spoke with ESPN during the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, where he joined other NFL stars for the golfing event. Of course, the conversation shifted toward football, with Laura Rutledge asking Kittle to reflect on the team's 2023 season, its Super Bowl defeat, and the motivation it provides for the upcoming season.
The tight end believes San Francisco maintained a competitive roster this offseason and is gearing up for another run at a championship. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good health and continual improvement for a successful upcoming season.
"Brock Purdy is a fantastic quarterback, and he's only going to get better because he's young," Kittle said. "And we were fortunate enough to be able to keep our entire
7-round mock draft from The Athletic sees 49ers fortifying defense early
By David Bonilla
Apr 17
Analyst Dane Brugler recently revealed his seven-round mock draft for The Athletic, forecasting all 257 selections in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, set to kick off next week.
"Piecing together a mock like this is time consuming, but I enjoy the exercise, because it allows me to focus on each team's needs, organizational trends and prospect-team pairings that make sense based on '30' visits, league buzz and overall interest," Brugler wrote.
Most expect the 49ers to address the trenches early in the draft, and Brugler has the team doing that. It's just not on the offensive side of the football. In fact, Brugler doesn't have San Francisco
7-round mock draft: 49ers trade up to fortify secondary
By David Bonilla
15 hrs
The San Francisco 49ers first selection in next week's draft comes at No. 31 overall. However, NFL Media analyst Chad Reuter doesn't have the Bay Area team remaining at that spot in the first round. In his seven-round mock draft, he envisions the 49ers striking a deal with the Green Bay Packers to move up six spots to No. 25 overall, where they select former Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Reuter notes, "Whether it's for a cornerback like McKinstry, an offensive lineman or a receiver, the 49ers could very well give up a mid-round pick to acquire one of the few missing pieces on an otherwise potent roster."
The rest of the mock draft reveals at least part of the