Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Pro Football Focus ranks George Kittle as the NFL’s top tight end
Aug 11, 2020 at 6:09 AM
•
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Pro Football Focus recently ranked NFL tight ends into tiers, naming San Francisco 49ers tight end Georg Kittle as
one of two tier-1 players. The other was Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, Ben Linsey of Pro Football Focus has
ranked the NFL's top 15 tight ends, and the 49ers' All-Pro comes in at the top spot.
Linsey notes that the decision for the No. 1 spot came down to Kittle and Kelce, and that both are game-changers but in very different ways. Kittle, the 49ers' best receiving threat and one of their best run-blockers, is widely considered to be the league's best overall tight end. Linsey notes just how difficult it is to bring Kittle to the ground.
"There's just not much about playing the tight end position that he doesn't do at an elite level," Linsey wrote of Kittle. "He tore single coverage apart in 2019, proving too athletic for many linebackers and safeties and too physical for most cornerbacks in one-on-one matchups. His 79.8 run-blocking grade since 2018 puts him up with the run-game specialists at the position."
Kittle has assumed the mantle from Kelce as the NFL's after-the-catch king among tight ends. The former has racked up 1,494 yards after the catch over the past two seasons, which is 517 more than Kelce. Kittle also has 37 broken tackles, seven more than any other non-running back.
Kittle awaits a new contract extension, and the 49ers say they are rigorously working toward one.
"We're working diligently," general manager
John Lynch said last week. "I can tell you that. I'm not going to get into the timeframe. We are working diligently to come to a resolution. I've been on record saying what George means to this place."
San Francisco made Kittle a fifth-round draft pick out of Iowa in 2017. He is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
"I know how bad Kittle wants to be here, and I know how bad we want him to be here," head coach
Kyle Shanahan said recently. "Usually, when both sides want the same thing, at the end, it finds a way of working itself out."
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
Kellen Mond will try out during 49ers' local pro day
The San Francisco 49ers are set to host their local pro day this Wednesday afternoon, offering numerous draft prospects a prime opportunity to display their skills before the team's coaches, scouts, and front-office personnel.
However, it won't be just draft hopefuls on the field in Santa Clara. According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, several others, including a former third-round draft pick, quarterback Kellen Mond, will try out for the team.
Maiocco's report also names tight ends Curtis Hodges, Hunter Kampmoyer, and Tommy Sweeney among those expected to attend.
In addition those invited to
49ers local pro day: These 44 players will work out in Santa Clara
The San Francisco 49ers are holding their local pro day today at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The team has released the full roster of participants.
An NFL local pro day is an event hosted by teams to allow prospects with ties to the local area to showcase their skills in front of team personnel. These prospects typically hail from nearby colleges or have some other connection to the region where the team is based. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch, and a contingent of coaches, executives, and scouts will be on hand to evaluate prospective draftees during the 49ers' local pro day.
The event aims to give the team a closer look at these local talents who may have received less attention during the regular scouting process. It will allow the
49ers Notebook: Local Pro Day Features Legacy WR and Veteran QB Hoping to Earn Roster Spots
With the NFL Draft just two weeks away, the San Francisco 49ers hosted their annual local pro day at Levi's Stadium. The event showcased 44 players, including four veterans, all vying to impress coaches and team decision-makers and earn a roster spot. The 49ers have 10 selections in the upcoming draft.
NFL local pro days provide draft prospects with ties to the local area an opportunity to showcase their talents to team personnel. These prospects typically hail from nearby colleges or have other connections to the region where the team is based.
Terrell's Son Seeks an Opportunity
Hall of
