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#ninergang
Today Let's take a look at out Tight Ends
Tight Ends
George Kittle - George Kittle is the best TE in football. Unlike Travis Kelce he is an elite receiver and an elite blocker. We know this. One surprise is the rapport he has had with Brock Purdy. Kittle had one of his best years in what was ultimately a lost season. He also signed a huge extension making him the highest paid TE in the league. He still has elite athleticism which allows him to blow past linebackers and crush defensive backs. Even though he is 31 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down and should be highly productive for another 2-3 seasons.
Performance: A
Potential: B+
Overall: A
Luke Ferrell - 5th year TE from Ohio State and former Jaguar. Luke Ferrell was brought in to be a clear #2 TE. Ferrell is a blocking TE first and foremost. He is a punishing run blocker and a capable pass blocker as well. Despite his size he isn't a force in the passing game or I should say he wasn't in Jacksonville. With that said it's clearly something the 49ers are focusing on in training camp, adding that extra wrinkle to his overall game, at least enough to keep defenses honest. He is not much of an athlete but he does seem to have pretty good hands as he did for the most part catch what was thrown in his direction in Jacksonville.
Performance: C+
Potential: B-
Overall: C+
Brayden Willis - Brayden has been trying to be more of a move TE as opposed to a just a special teams player. In year 3 he has been reported to have had a fairly impressive camp as a receiver as he has made some big catches. He should be getting a lot of snaps in practice and in the preseason as we really need to know if the years of development have paid off. Willis is not much of a blocker but he is an impressive athlete that could be a potential weapon this upcoming season.
Performance: C-
Potential: C+
Overall: C
Jake Tonges - Jake Tonges is a 2022 UDFA from the Chicago Bears. Tonges joined the team in 2023. I feel that Tonges is a weird case. While he is primarily a blocker he has done everthing that has been asked of him. The few times he has been thrown the ball in pre-season he catches it. He is a good blocker as well. Maybe he doesn't excel at anything but I feel he deserves more chances than he has gotten. I think he could be in competition with Brayden Willis for that last TE spot.
Performance - D+
Potential: C-
Overall: D+
Ross Dwelley- Ross Dwelley is a veteran TE who finds his way back onto the roster this season. If he makes the team he will be a special teamer primarily but he has proven he's a decent backup should the need arise.
Performance: D
Potential: D
Overall: D
Unit Analysis - Kittle is the best tight end in football running away and Luke Ferell could be the #2 we have needed all these years. I still like the potential of Willis and Tonges too. This is among the better units on the team and they will be key pieces moving forward on this offense.
Unit Grade: B+
Tight Ends
George Kittle - George Kittle is the best TE in football. Unlike Travis Kelce he is an elite receiver and an elite blocker. We know this. One surprise is the rapport he has had with Brock Purdy. Kittle had one of his best years in what was ultimately a lost season. He also signed a huge extension making him the highest paid TE in the league. He still has elite athleticism which allows him to blow past linebackers and crush defensive backs. Even though he is 31 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down and should be highly productive for another 2-3 seasons.
Performance: A
Potential: B+
Overall: A
Luke Ferrell - 5th year TE from Ohio State and former Jaguar. Luke Ferrell was brought in to be a clear #2 TE. Ferrell is a blocking TE first and foremost. He is a punishing run blocker and a capable pass blocker as well. Despite his size he isn't a force in the passing game or I should say he wasn't in Jacksonville. With that said it's clearly something the 49ers are focusing on in training camp, adding that extra wrinkle to his overall game, at least enough to keep defenses honest. He is not much of an athlete but he does seem to have pretty good hands as he did for the most part catch what was thrown in his direction in Jacksonville.
Performance: C+
Potential: B-
Overall: C+
Brayden Willis - Brayden has been trying to be more of a move TE as opposed to a just a special teams player. In year 3 he has been reported to have had a fairly impressive camp as a receiver as he has made some big catches. He should be getting a lot of snaps in practice and in the preseason as we really need to know if the years of development have paid off. Willis is not much of a blocker but he is an impressive athlete that could be a potential weapon this upcoming season.
Performance: C-
Potential: C+
Overall: C
Jake Tonges - Jake Tonges is a 2022 UDFA from the Chicago Bears. Tonges joined the team in 2023. I feel that Tonges is a weird case. While he is primarily a blocker he has done everthing that has been asked of him. The few times he has been thrown the ball in pre-season he catches it. He is a good blocker as well. Maybe he doesn't excel at anything but I feel he deserves more chances than he has gotten. I think he could be in competition with Brayden Willis for that last TE spot.
Performance - D+
Potential: C-
Overall: D+
Ross Dwelley- Ross Dwelley is a veteran TE who finds his way back onto the roster this season. If he makes the team he will be a special teamer primarily but he has proven he's a decent backup should the need arise.
Performance: D
Potential: D
Overall: D
Unit Analysis - Kittle is the best tight end in football running away and Luke Ferell could be the #2 we have needed all these years. I still like the potential of Willis and Tonges too. This is among the better units on the team and they will be key pieces moving forward on this offense.
Unit Grade: B+
Your putting faith in the Cowboys? As a 49'ers stan? You got CTE my breh?
