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Potential 49ers draft target considers Kittle a ‘role model’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers remain in the market for a backup tight end, and they could take another swing to fill that spot in this month’s draft.
In anticipation of being shorthanded at the position this year, 49ers general manager John Lynch invested two draft picks in tight ends in the 2023 NFL Draft.
But neither provided any hints as rookies that they are capable of stepping up to be George Kittle’s primary backup.
Cameron Latu, a third-round pick from Alabama, struggled during training camp and spent the entire season on injured reserve. And Brayden Willis, a seventh-round selection from Oklahoma, played only sparingly last season.
The 49ers’ top backup, Charlie Woerner, signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. The 49ers signed restricted free agent Brock Wright to an offer sheet for the same amount. But the Detroit Lions on Wednesday exercised their right of first refusal in order to keep Wright from getting away.
If the 49ers look to re-address the need in the draft, the road could lead them back to Iowa.
Ben Sinnott, who grew up in Iowa and attended Kansas State, has a lot of similarities to Kittle and patterns his game after the 49ers’ five-time Pro Bowl player.
“He’s a huge role model in my game, just what he’s been able to do in both facets of the game, blocking and receiving,” Sinnott answered when NBC Sports Bay Area asked him about Kittle’s influence at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“Especially being from Iowa, growing up and watching him at Iowa, watching all those Iowa tight ends, he’s a huge role model for me and someone I want to craft my game after.”
Sinnott (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) met with the 49ers representatives at the Senior Bowl while the team was preparing for Super Bowl LVIII. Undoubtedly, his stated mindset sounded familiar.
“I want to get into the paint every single time,” Sinnott said at the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-potential-te-draft-target-204019629.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-04-04 21:41:44
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