The Inevitable Succession: Preparing for a Post-Kittle Era
George Kittle, the 31-year-old All-Pro tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, has been a cornerstone of Kyle Shanahan’s offense since his selection in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Kittle’s unique blend of athleticism, physicality, and versatility has made him an invaluable asset, and while no player can ever truly replace him, the 49ers will eventually need to plan for a future without his services. NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah recently provided insight into the top tight end prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, suggesting that these players could be strong contributors, even if they don’t perfectly replicate Kittle’s skill set.
A Towering Prospect: Tyler Warren
Jeremiah ranks Tyler Warren as his fifth overall player in the 2025 NFL Draft, largely due to his impressive physical presence and raw talent. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 261 pounds, Warren is a towering mismatch against most linebackers. His ability to wall off defenders and dominate in the middle of the field is reminiscent of Kittle’s effectiveness in tight spaces. In his senior season at Penn State, Warren truly broke out, recording an astonishing 104 receptions on 135 targets for 1,230 yards and eight touchdowns. This performance earned him the seventh most Heisman Trophy votes in 2024, highlighting his status as one of the most exciting college football players. Despite his receiving prowess, Warren’s physicality stands out even more, making him an incredibly tough player to bring down after the catch.
Expert Opinions and Mock Drafts
While Warren is Jeremiah’s top tight end prospect, he isn’t the only name on the radar for the 49ers. In his latest mock draft, Jeremiah projects Warren to be selected by the New York Jets with the No. 7 overall pick, placing him slightly higher than some other analysts. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks Warren as their No. 10 overall prospect, underscoring the high regard he holds among evaluators. However, Jeremiah admits that Brock Bowers, the Las Vegas Raiders’ tight end who was selected 13th overall in the 2024 draft, received a higher pre-draft grade. This doesn’t diminish Warren’s value, as Jeremiah still views him as a strong, physical player with significant potential. The 49ers will need to weigh these opinions carefully as they consider their future needs at the tight end position.
Colston Loveland: A Finessed Route Runner
The second tight end prospect Jeremiah highlights is Colston Loveland from Michigan. Loveland is a three-year Wolverine who, while not as prolific a receiver as Warren, still had a solid college career. In 2024, he caught 56 passes on 82 targets for 582 yards and five touchdowns. Loveland’s game is more about finesse and fluidity, allowing him to get in and out of breaks more smoothly. This skill could complement the 49ers’ offensive strategy, which often relies on precise route running and timing. While Loveland doesn’t possess the same physical dominance as Warren, his ability to make difficult catches and navigate tight coverage could make him a valuable asset.
The Unique Challenge of Replacing Kittle
One of Kittle’s most distinctive qualities is his exceptional run-blocking ability. Both Warren and Loveland fall short in this area, with PFF grades of 52.8 and 53.3, respectively. These grades are significantly below what Kyle Shanahan expects from his tight ends, who often function as "extra" offensive linemen. The 49ers have historically valued tight ends who can contribute as blockers, such as Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner, both of whom spent the past season with the Atlanta Falcons. In the 2024 draft, the 49ers selected tight ends Eric Saubert, Brayden Willis, and Mason Pline, all of whom excelled in this role. Finding a tight end who can blend Warren’s receiving ability and Loveland’s route-running finesse with Kittle’s run-blocking prowess will be a tall order.
Looking Ahead: Big Decisions for the 49ers
The 49ers are at a crossroads, particularly at the tight end position. While George Kittle remains the team’s offensive star, the organization must start preparing for the day he can no longer play at a high level. Both Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland offer different strengths that could be beneficial to the 49ers, but neither can fully replicate Kittle’s all-around dominance. The challenge for the front office and coaching staff is to identify a player who can fill the gaps in Kittle’s eventual absence and continue to thrive in Shanahan’s system. Whether the 49ers choose to draft a dual-threat tight end or build around complementary pieces, the goal will be to maintain the offensive balance and success that Kittle has helped to establish.
Embracing the Future
While the idea of replacing George Kittle may seem daunting, the 49ers have a track record of making shrewd personnel decisions. By carefully evaluating prospects like Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland, the team can ensure a smooth transition when the time comes. The key will be finding a player who not only excels in receiving and route running but also shows potential for improvement in run blocking. As the 49ers look to the 2025 NFL Draft and beyond, the legacy of George Kittle will certainly be a guiding light, but the organization is well-equipped to identify and develop the next great tight end. For now, 49ers fans can enjoy the brilliance of Kittle while keeping their eyes on the future.
