NFL Executives Rank George Kittle Among League’s Elite Tight EndsNFL Executives Rank George Kittle Among League’s Elite Tight Ends In a recent ESPN article ranking the NFL’s top 10 tight ends, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers retained his No. 2 spot behind Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. An anonymous NFL personnel director praised Kittle’s explosiveness, stating that he is “more explosive than Kelce at this point.” Despite sustaining injuries later in the 2023 season, Kittle had an impressive year, posting his first 1,000-yard season in four years and setting a career-high with 15.7 yards per reception. The executive highlighted Kittle’s ability to create problems with the ball in his hands, particularly on deep-breaking routes, delays, and boots and keepers. While Kittle received numerous first-place votes, he was also ranked as low as fifth on some ballots, suggesting that he is still underrated by some. However, Kittle’s consistent performance and Kelce’s potential decline present an opportunity for him to reclaim the top spot in next season’s rankings. Regardless of his ranking, Kittle remains a significant threat on the field for opposing teams. To stay updated on the latest news and analysis on the 49ers, you can download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast.
George Kittle consistently has been one of the NFL’s elite tight ends for several years, dating back to his breakout 2018 campaign.
This past season, the versatile 49ers pass catcher and blocker looked as good as ever — despite playing through several injuries later in the year. NFL executives clearly have taken notice.
“He’s more explosive (than Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce) at this point,” an NFL personnel director told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler of Kittle.
The executive was quoted in an ESPN article ranking the NFL’s top 10 tight ends heading into the 2024 season. Kittle still ranked No. 2 behind Kelce, though — matching his standing from last season’s list.
In 2023, Kittle recorded his first 1,000-yard season in four years. He set a career-high with 15.7 yards per reception, a testament to his continued ability to accrue yards after the catch at 30 years old.
Kittle’s marks in yards and yards per reception led all tight ends last season as well.
“Deep in-breaking routes, delays, and boots and keepers — he’s just a problem with the ball in his hands,” the anonymous executive added about Kittle.
Kittle received plenty of first-place votes from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts in ESPN’s rankings, but he was ranked as low as fifth on some ballots. Perhaps that revelation backs up recent claims that Kittle is underrated by many.
With Kittle maintaining form and Kelce potentially on the decline, the 49ers star has the chance to return to the top spot of next season’s tight end rankings. Regardless, it’s clear that opposing teams can’t forget about Kittle’s impact on the field.
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