Kittle projects to be the 49ers' starting tight end after the team traded away Vance McDonald to the Steelers on Tuesday, ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner reports.
San Francisco finally acted on the swirling offseason trade rumors surrounding McDonald, opening the door for Kittle to assume a significant role in Kyle Shanahan's offense. The fifth-round pick brings size (6-foot-4, 247 pounds) and athleticism (4.52 40 time) to the table as the 49ers' potential starter. The 23-year-old is still a raw talent, so it will be shortsighted to simply anoint him as a must-add fantasy asset, especially considering how Shanahan prefers to use his tight ends as blockers. He did not have a tight end rank in the top 32 as a receiver last season. Still, there is some upside to be had with Kittle -- just don't expect a smooth ride during his rookie campaign.