The San Francisco 49ers have been doing a lot of homework this offseason on tight ends. They are likely seeking someone to help alleviate some of All-Pro starter George Kittle's workload.
The 49ers have spoken or met with several tight end draft prospects. The team has also reportedly shown interest in veterans like Evan Engram (via a trade), Jordan Reed, Geoff Swaim (free agents), and even "made a run" at Austin Hooper before he signed with the Cleveland Browns.
The 49ers may draft a tight end over the next few days. How early could that selection come? Tom Pelissero of NFL Network named San Francisco as a team to keep an eye on when it comes to Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet.
"This draft isn't considered a particularly strong one for tight ends," writes the Around the NFL staff at NFL.com. "Cole Kmet is the consensus best one, and it's unclear whether he'll go in the first round. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said there's three teams to keep an eye for the Notre Dame product: the Patriots, Packers and 49ers. All three own late Day 1 picks."
Kmet played three seasons with the Fighting Irish. He hauled in 43 passes for 515 yards with six touchdowns through 11 starts as a junior in 2019 after missing the first two games with a broken collarbone.
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.