With their first pick in the fifth round, the 49ers selected George Kittle, a frequent target of quarterback C.J. Beathard at Iowa. The 49ers took Beathard late in the third round Friday.
Who is he: Kittle (6-4, 247) is considered one of the better blockers in the draft because he played in a pro-style offense that required in-line blocking from the tight ends. Last season he caught 22 passes for 314 yards and four touchdowns. Kittle was one of the 30 prospects who visited the 49ers last month.
How he fits: Blocking tight ends obviously are important in Kyle Shanahan’s offense as he picked up one, Logan Paulsen, in free agency in March. Kittle will compete with Paulsen, Garrett Celek, Je’Ron Hamm and Blake Bell for playing time this offseason. The 49ers also have Vance McDonald, a pass-catching tight end who is the subject of trade rumors.
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