Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
George Kittle reacts to the 49ers’ blockbuster draft trade
Mar 26, 2021 at 3:21 PM
•
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
I've been bombarded with questions from people asking me what the San Francisco 49ers will do now that the team has traded up from No. 12 overall to the No. 3 spot. My response? I'm not entirely certain. I just report the news. It's clear the 49ers moved up to select a quarterback, but I have no idea which direction they are leaning toward when it comes to the rookie prospects. At least, not at this point.
It sounds like tight end
George Kittle has no idea what is going on either. He seemed just as surprised by ESPN's Adam Schefter breaking the news today. Kittle has been a strong supporter of Jimmy Garoppolo and has repeatedly stated that he expects Garoppolo to be the quarterback in 2021. That may still be the case, as a 49ers source told Schefter that the team has
no plans to trade Garoppolo—at least, not this year.
Here is how Kittle reacted to Schefter's initial report that the 49ers and Miami Dolphins were executing a trade.
That prompted a reaction from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
How did Kittle respond to that? Much like I did, I suppose. The All-Pro offered no insight whatsoever. At least, not right now. We are all obviously still mentally processing the trade.
It's a pretty hilarious reaction from Kittle and shows how the news took everyone by surprise.
We may learn a little more on Monday when general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are scheduled to speak with reporters. Of course, we may not. The duo may not want to reveal too much insight into their thinking.
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
George Kittle hopes 49ers offense can 'take another step forward'
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: 49ers trade up to fortify secondary
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
49ers trade up for offensive lineman in mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers hold the No. 31 overall pick, but speculation abounds that they may seek to move before or during the first round of next week's NFL Draft. With the offensive line as a prime target for improvement and the position going mostly ignored in free agency, a strategic trade-up to acquire an impact player could be in the cards.
Alyssa Barbieri proposes such a scenario in her latest mock draft for USA Today's Touchdown Wire. Barbieri envisions the 49ers trading with the Miami Dolphins to move up 10 spots, selecting former Alabama
Could the 49ers trade up in the draft for a top tackle?
The San Francisco 49ers are likely hoping that a top offensive lineman drops to them at No. 31 in the first round of this month's draft. Fans would like to see the team add someone to compete with Colton McKivitz for the right tackle spot and potentially take over for Trent Williams when the future Hall of Famer decides to retire.
Having two studs bookending the offensive line would go a long way in protecting franchise quarterback Brock Purdy. While tackle may be the first-round target, depending on how the first 30 selections play out, San Francisco might have to trade up to get a genuinely impactful
