Let's take a look at our Tight Ends Today.
Tight Ends
George Kittle - George Kittle is the best tight end in the NFL. Some will say Kelce but Kelce is not a blocker. Kittle is an elite blocker who mashes defenders into paste. He is still dynamic in space and can take a pass to the house. He had a down year last year in part to the emergence of Brandon Aiyuk but he is still a premier tight end.
Performance: A
Potential: B+
Overall: A-
Brayden Willis - Despite being a 7th round pick, the 2nd year TE has shown good speed and athleticism. Not much of a blocker though. Though. He is listed as a TE but he could very well find snaps as an H-Back gadget type player. He can also contribute on special teams as well. He is someone to keep an eye on.
Performance: C-
Potential: B-
Overall: C
Eric Saubert - Veteran TE drafted the same round as George Kittle. He has been a journey man the past several years. I believe he will win the #2 TE job. He is not a great athlete but he is big and strong as a blocker and he can pull down a few catches in a pinch.
Performance: C
Potential: C
Overall: C
Cameron Latu: Despite looking good and Alabama and getting picked in the 3rd Round. Latu essentially was an injury redshirt and has not looked good as a blocker or receiver and there have been people questioning his effort. I think he is a bubble player but a strong bubble as the 49er may give him one more season to get right but I can also see them cutting him.
Performance: D
Potential: C
Overall: C-
Mason Pline - One of the more intriguing UDFAs this year. Despite being a small school player, his measurables stand out. A former basketball player Mason is 6'7 and 260 lbs. From the tape I was able to get he is a good athlete, a solid route runner and had good hands. He just needs to refine his blocking. He will likely be a developmental prospect on the practice squad. With an outside chance to make the team.
Performance: C-
Potential: C-
Overall:C-
Jake Tonges - Listed as a TE but Tonges is an H-Back/Fullback. He is a jack of all trades but mediocre at all of it. He is a practice squad player.
Performance- D
Potential- D
Overall -D
Unit Analysis - Kittle and Saubert are the starters and I think Brayden Willis has enough to be TE3. Beyond that. It is a crapshoot. Either way Kittle and Saubert are entrenched
Unit Grade: B+