Who will be the 49ers Starting Tight End in 2018?

StubbyNBY · 2017-12-11T10:34:17-08:00

A month ago I thought there was about an 80% chance that Kittle would be our starting tight end in 2018, but as of now, I think he will probably be a back-up. Celek has been playing some real good football lately and he could be in the mix to start next year, though I would anticipate that we upgrade the position as well either in the draft and/or free agency. What say you?

Dec 11, 2017 at 10:36 AM

49erBigMac
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Celek has done some really nice things lately, and I do think we add some mid round competition.

That said Kittle looks like being a great athlete, he's been banged up but the staff have raved about him. He will get healthy and be our guy. TE's normally take a little while to develop

[ Edited by 49erBigMac on Dec 11, 2017 at 10:43 AM ]

Dec 11, 2017 at 10:36 AM

Heroism
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Kittle

or maybe Goedert.

[ Edited by Heroism on Dec 11, 2017 at 10:38 AM ]

Dec 11, 2017 at 10:38 AM

StubbyNBY
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Originally posted by 49erBigMac:
Celek has done some really nice things lately, and I do think we add some mid round competition.

That said Kittle looks like being a great athlete, he's been banged up but the staff have raves about him. He will get healthy and be our guy. TE's normally take a little while to develop

I still think Kittle can be a very good NFL starting tight end. His durability worries me at this point but we shall see. I do think the talent is there and he is a good blocker as well.

Dec 11, 2017 at 10:39 AM

susweel
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Hopefully a free agent or draft pick becuase kittle is very average. Celeck is ok as back up.

Dec 11, 2017 at 10:44 AM

thl408
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Make Kittles commit to strengthening his body this offseason. Maybe Hikutini develops to the point he can contribute here and there. I wouldn't want the team spending a day 1 or day 2 pick on a TE. Other areas to address that are more important to an offense than TE imo. In free agency, maybe sign Tyler Eifert to a 'prove it' deal if he recovers from back surgery. Not sure what his market price will be. Good talent with back issues.

Dec 11, 2017 at 10:46 AM

cciowa
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Originally posted by susweel:
Hopefully a free agent or draft pick becuase kittle is very average. Celeck is ok as back up.

agree, no offense to our two game win streak. we need a top flight tight end and wide out.

Dec 11, 2017 at 10:57 AM

StubbyNBY
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Originally posted by cciowa:
agree, no offense to our two game win streak. we need a top flight tight end and wide out.

Absolutely. WR more than TE but both areas we need to improve in.

Dec 11, 2017 at 11:17 AM

saniner
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Kittle has played really well considering he's a 5th round rookie. 2nd in receptions among rookie tight ends behind only Evan Engram. We just need an upgrade to Celek, who would be a great #3. Kittle, Goedert, Celek looks good to me

Dec 11, 2017 at 11:21 AM

GhostOfBaalke
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Gotta remember Kittle is a rookie who's been fighting through injuries. TE's always take longer to develop since they got so many responsibilities and two positions to learn. That being said, we can always improve at every position. No settling ever. If there is someone better and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg then we grab them. Especially considering that Kittle has a history with injuries, can't put all our eggs in that basket.

Dec 11, 2017 at 11:23 AM

#10

GhostOfBaalke
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Posts: 6,115

Originally posted by thl408:
Make Kittles commit to strengthening his body this offseason. Maybe Hikutini develops to the point he can contribute here and there. I wouldn't want the team spending a day 1 or day 2 pick on a TE. Other areas to address that are more important to an offense than TE imo. In free agency, maybe sign Tyler Eifert to a 'prove it' deal if he recovers from back surgery. Not sure what his market price will be. Good talent with back issues.

I'd like to see eifert in a prove it deal. Gotta send him to Europe to get some stem cells shot in him, cuz dudes always hurt. Bengals always let their guys walk, and they got his replacement in kroft.

Dec 11, 2017 at 11:45 AM

#11

PRIMETIME21
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dam celek has been a beast lately... just saying

Dec 11, 2017 at 11:48 AM

#12

GhostOfBaalke
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Originally posted by PRIMETIME21:
dam celek has been a beast lately... just saying

Pretty dope considering that shanny wanted him in ATL. He has such a clear vision of his offense and who fits it. It's amazing.

Dec 11, 2017 at 12:06 PM

#13

ChaunceyGardner
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Garoppolo seems to work well with TEs, get him an elite weapon!

Dec 11, 2017 at 2:48 PM

#14

SmokeCrabtrees
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Im chill with our TE group heading into the 2nd year of the system... Wouldnt mind a flyer on a athletic freak later in the draft in the Delanie type of mold.