How do you grade 49ers NFL Draft addition George Kittle?

The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up the 2017 season and have begun their work to prepare for 2018 free agency and the draft. We’ll be breaking down plenty of what that means, but in the meantime, we wanted to take a look back at the season that was for the 49ers. Jimmy Garoppolo captured our imagination, but the 49ers rebuilding process was extensive last year. We are going to take a look at every notable addition and provide a forum for grading how that signing, trade, or draft pick worked out.

George Kittle, tight end
How acquired: Drafted in the fifth round (146th overall)

A few weeks before the end of the regular season, I wrote that the 49ers needed to significantly upgrade the tight end position. I wasn’t pleased with the play of Kittle, and Garrett Celek has a definite ceiling that he has to be near at this point.

When Jimmy Garoppolo took over, the 49ers’ tight ends, unsurprisingly, got better. But more importantly, I saw some very positive things from those players down the stretch, especially Kittle. He’s had a couple drops, but nothing serious.

Despite getting out-snapped by Celek, Kittle finished the season with 43 receptions for 515 yards and two touchdowns, second on the team in receiving yardage behind Marquise Goodwin.

Some have suggested that injuries were limiting Kittle earlier in the season, and I can see that being the case. Against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17, Kittle caught four passes for 100 yards. He looked fast, tough to tackle and his routes were excellent.

I don’t know if Kittle will continue to improve and become a high-end starter, but for now, I’m happy with the draft pick and I’m very interested to see where he goes from here.