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5 players 49ers should draft in the first round

By Nicholas McGee

Ohio State football quarterback Justin Fields. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State football quarterback Justin Fields. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators tight end Kyle Pitts (84) catches a pass against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jordan Battle (9) and linebacker Christian Harris (8) during the fourth quarter in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators tight end Kyle Pitts (84) catches a pass against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jordan Battle (9) and linebacker Christian Harris (8) during the fourth quarter in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports /

Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

Undoubtedly one of the best tight end prospects in the history of the draft, Pitts would be a luxury pick for a 49ers team already blessed with arguably the top player at the position in the NFL in George Kittle. However, he is a luxury that would open new dimensions for an offense that already creates havoc for opposing defenses through its flexibility and element of disguise.

Pitts will enter the league as a bonafide mismatch whose size, remarkable lower-body quickness, route-running and athleticism should allow him to step in and excel in any offense right off the bat.

He brings obvious upside in the red zone through his 6ft 5in and 239-pound frame, which helps him elevate over defenders and high-point the football at will, and his hugely impressive body control.

The odds of Pitts falling to 12 appear slim at this point but should such a bemusing draft-day slide come to pass, the 49ers should not hesitate to ring the pick. Pairing him with Kittle would enable them to run two-tight end sets with devastating effect, with the versatility of both meaning they could each be deployed in-line, in the slot or split out.

Pitts’ effort and understanding of leverage as a blocker could free up Kittle more in the passing game, but the offense would clearly be at its most dangerous with both running routes and providing linebackers and safeties that are consistently victimized by Shanahan’s offense with even more to worry about when facing San Francisco.