Tight End Position Preview for the San Francisco 49ersTight End Position Preview for the San Francisco 49ers The 49ers’ high-powered offense returns a significant portion of its players from the previous season, with the exception of the tight end position, which is anchored by George Kittle. Key Elements: * All-Pro Leadership: George Kittle is the reigning First-Team All-Pro tight end, providing a high level of play and leadership. * Veteran Arrivals: Logan Thomas, Eric Saubert, and Ross Dwelley bring experience and depth to the position. * Second Year Potential: Brayden Willis and Cameron Latu have potential to contribute after promising offseason performances. Roster: * George Kittle * Logan Thomas * Eric Saubert * Brayden Willis * Cameron Latu * Jake Tonges * Mason Pline Notable Players: * George Kittle: Elite receiving and blocking abilities, core of the offense. * Logan Thomas: Proven pass-catcher with 219 career receptions. * Brayden Willis: Showed growth in offseason practices, catching passes and improving his route running. Training Camp and Preseason: The upcoming training camp and preseason games will be crucial in determining the final roster. The 49ers will evaluate the veterans’ experience, the progress of the younger players, and the overall chemistry of the unit to make informed decisions. Potential Roster Changes: Depending on the performance of the players during camp and preseason, the 49ers may consider roster adjustments. They could opt to keep a mix of veterans and young players, or prioritize either experience or potential. Outlook: The 49ers have a talented group of tight ends with a wide range of skills. The competition for roster spots will be fierce, with the final decision ultimately based on the players’ ability to contribute to the team’s overall success.
San Francisco 49er tight end Cameron Latu (81) trains Tuesday, August 8, 2023, in Santa Clara, California. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SANTA CLARA – So much of the 49ers’ prolific offense returns from last season. And then there’s the tight end room led by George Kittle.
Will the 49ers go young at the position? Will new veterans stay? Will it be a mix?
Training camp and preseason games should help the 49ers’ roster figure that out. Here’s a closer look:
WHO IS HERE
George Kittle, Logan Thomas, Eric Saubert, Brayden Willis, Cameron Latu, Jake Tonges, Mason Pline
ALL-PRO LEADERSHIP
Kittle is the reigning AP First-Team All-Pro, and core surgery in February should have kept that title from Travis Kelce, Sam LaPorta and others. Kittle, who turns 31 on Oct. 9, is the second-longest-tenured active 49er behind Kyle Juszczyk. In his third career 1,000-yard season, Kittle averaged a career-high 11.3 yards per target. Whether he’s catching three touchdown passes against the Dallas Cowboys or converting on a fourth-down in the Super Bowl, his receiving ability can be overlooked. Such is life when your blocking ability remains elite and energetic leadership is expected to propel you to captain status for the seventh straight year.
ARRIVALS OF VETERANS
Thomas came on board in June’s minicamp with a compelling resume, a decade after converting to quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals. He had 55 catches for 496 yards and four touchdowns last year in his fourth and final season with Washington. With 219 career receptions in 94 games, Thomas is the most accomplished tight end on the roster, aside from Kittle.
Saubert, drafted 28 spots behind Kittle in 2017, provides the blocking repertoire the 49ers need after losing Charlie Woerner in free agency to Atlanta, where Ross Dwelley also signed. This is Saubert’s seventh team in eight years.
SECOND YEAR WONDERS
While Kittle rehabbed in the spring, Brayden Willis benefited from first-team practice and showed growth after a catch-less rookie season. He did play in the final eight games (mostly on special teams), so the 49ers have invested in his development. Latu was a third-round pick last year, but a knee injury kept him out of his rookie season and during practice this past offseason. Latu struggled in training camp last year, so a recovery effort will be needed, though the 49ers will likely ease him into action after a year on the sidelines.
THE UNDERDOG PROJECTS
Mason Pline’s 6-foot-6, 254-pound frame certainly stands out, as does his athleticism as a former college basketball player. If he proves to be a quick learner, it will be fascinating to see if the 49ers commit to him beyond a practice squad spot. Jake Tonges, a Los Gatos native and Cal product who could have a leg up on his camp competition thanks to his stint on the practice squad last season, is overlooked in this position group.
