Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest breakout candidate

By Conor Dorney

Mandatory Credit: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Blake Countess #24 of the Los Angeles Rams chases George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers on a short pass play during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Blake Countess #24 of the Los Angeles Rams chases George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers on a short pass play during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

San Francisco 49ers – George Kittle

The 49ers entered the offseason with loads of cap room and draft capital and after making numerous additions, it’s a 2017 fifth-round selection who could be primed for a breakout season.

Tight end George Kittle became a favorite target of new ultra-rich quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and ended his rookie season with 43 receptions for 515 yards and two touchdowns. With the Niners ready for Garoppolo’s first full season as the franchise quarterback, they expect Kittle’s role to grow significantly.

The 2017 Draft’s tight end class could go down as one of the best in history, evidenced by the fact that Kittle is the third from the class to make this list. Kittle was seen as one of the draft’s better blocking tight ends but has already established himself as a threat in the passing game more than most expected. Kyle Shanahan is adept at utilizing tight ends in his passing attack and Kittle already has seemed to be a nice security blanket for Garoppolo with the speed to also turn in explosive plays.

Kittle’s snap count should increase significantly from last season and with his ability to hold his own as an in-line blocker, he should have plenty of opportunities to make his mark in Shanahan’s offense moving forward.

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