» A LOOK AT 49ERS’ TIGHT END CORPS
A funny thing happens in the NFL, where offensive philosophies have often tricked up from the college ranks, while conventional wisdom would suggest the pro game would set the trends.
The college infusion has led to more spread-out offenses and quick-hitting passing games. Patrick Mahomes integration to the Kansas City Chiefs is the most recent and obvious example of a player utilized in a similar way he was in college to maximize his talent.
But the San Francisco 49ers operate with a different style under coach Kyle Shanahan. Yes, he incorporates bubble screens and other spread passing game concepts into his system, but San Francisco is more known for its combination of physicality paired with the complexities of a West Coast offense that was first created by Bill Walsh.
The 49ers tight ends, namely George Kittle, had a lot to do with that. Shanahan dialed up running plays at the second highest rate in the NFL last season (over 51 percent, behind the Ravens, who had quarterback Lamar Jackson rush for over 1,000 yards).
Shanahan’s reliance on the running game as the basis for the offense has allowed Kittle to thrive. He can show off his dominance as a blocker. When defenses adjust, Shanahan can take advantage by creating space for his pass catchers leading to easy throws for Jimmy Garoppolo.
Which makes Kittle’s versatile skill set the 49ers’ most valuable weapon on offense. Which is why it’s important to take a look at where things stand with the team’s tight end position as they look to get back to the Super Bowl next winter.
What happened in 2019 — Kittle planted his flag as the league’s best tight end a season after setting a record for the position with 1,377 receiving yards in 2018. He was named a firstteam All-Pro, finishing with 1,053 receiving yards in just 14 games. Fifty-three of his 85 catches went for first downs as Garoppolo’s favorite weapon in the passing game.
His presence was missed in two games in November after sustaining knee and ankle injuries on the first series of the Halloween victory over the Cardinals. He stayed in the game for three quarters before checking himself out of the game because he told the coaching staff he thought he’d be a liability.
Kittle, who was named a team captain after his rookie season, has become the emotional heart beat of the offense. His friendly, easy-going personality makes him the poster child for a locker room culture that’s been key in the team’s turnaround from from an NFC doormat to championship contender.
His influence on backup Ross Dwelley, who had to play fullback earlier in the year and serve as Kittle’s replacement for two games, can’t be understated. Dwelley, an Oak Ridge High of El Dorado Hills native, had just 15 catches for 91 yards and a pair of touchdowns serving as the No. 2 option behind Kittle. But he made a key third-down conversion late in that win over the Cardinals after Kittle’s departure and was one of a handful of reserves that made an imprint on the season while starters dealt with injuries.
Levine Toilolo and Garrett Celek served as the blocking tight ends for the league’s second-ranked rushing attack. Celek had no catches in five games after beginning the season on an injured list with a back injury. Toilolo managed just two catches, but worked well in his role as an extension of the offensive line. Undrafted rookie Daniel Helm was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad late in the season but didn’t appear in a game.
Changes looming — The 49ers would love to give Kittle a long-term extension this offseason to make him the league’s highest paid tight end. He’s the team’s best and most irreplaceable offensive player. But that decision likely won’t be made until more pressing decisions in free agency are made first.
Celek retired following the Super Bowl after he ended the year on injured reserve. He had surgery last spring to repair a fractured disk and dealt with the pain throughout the season. He was the team’s second longest-tenured player behind Joe Staley and had a solid career after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2012. The 49ers lost Super Bowls in his first and final seasons.
Toilolo is set to hit unrestricted free agency. He’ll turn 29 over the summer. Next season will be his eighth in the league after playing for three teams: Atlanta, Detroit and San Francisco. He’s a candidate to return on a minimum contract to compete for the blocking tight end role, though it’s unclear if the team would rather bring in a cheaper player or see if Helm can develop into a contributor on the active roster.
How pressing is the need?
— Kittle played over 90 percent of the offensive snaps in 12 of his 17 games (playoffs included) last season. He’s dealt with myriad injuries, included a torn labrum in his shoulder he’s played through since 2018.
Dwelley isn’t nearly the same level blocker, so it would make sense for San Francisco to add another tight end to lighten Kittle’s load — or allow the team to play with more two-tight end sets, which could add a new wrinkle to an already-dynamic passing attack.
One of the reasons the Ravens’ run-heavy offense was so successful, for example was because they had two quality tight ends in Mark Andrews and Haden Hurst, a first-round pick in 2018.
Free agents and draft prospects to consider — Last year’s draft class saw two Iowa tight ends, T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant, go during the first 20 picks. There doesn’t appear to be the same caliber of prospects in this class, though there are still options San Francisco could consider in the mid to later rounds, assuming they acquire picks on Day 2 as they currently have none.
Oregon’s Jacob Breeland, LSU’s Thaddeus Moss (the son of Randy) and Cincinnati’s Josiah Deguara could be mid-round options. In free agency, bringing Toilolo back would make sense. Other notable possibilities on the market include Charles Clay (Arizona Cardinals), Lance Kendricks (Los Angeles Chargers) and Hunter Henry (Chargers).