So, who did 49ers beat writer Matt Barrows select when it was his turn to pick? He threw a curveball, selecting Penn State tight end Tyler Warren for San Francisco.
"Yes, there are bigger needs along San Francisco's offensive and defensive lines, but Kyle Shanahan would have a hard time turning down a chess piece like Warren," Barrows explained. "With one versatile weapon, Deebo Samuel, likely on his way out and another, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, approaching his 33rd birthday, Shanahan could be craving someone he can line up all over the field."
Tight end is undoubtedly a position of need this offseason, though many believe the 49ers may address it in the later rounds of the draft or through free agency. The 49ers have long sought a complementary piece to George Kittle, who led the team with 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last season. However, Kittle will turn 32 during the 2025 season, his ninth in the league.
Warren was a standout playmaker for Penn State in 2024, hauling in 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. He also added 26 carries for 218 yards and four rushing touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and creating matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
"That Warren is big and physical enough to play inline also could save George Kittle some of those snaps and prolong his career," Barrows added. "For years, the 49ers have been eying an Aaron Hernandez-Rob Gronkowski-like personnel group. A Kittle-Warren duo? That would drive defensive coordinators mad."
Barrows isn't the only one who believes the 49ers could target the Penn State tight end. Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area also projected the team selecting Warren in a recent mock draft.
"Yes, the 49ers might have bigger needs on the offensive and defensive lines," Maiocco wrote. "But there is not another game-changer they can take here that compares to the ultra-versatile Warren."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Former 49ers safety makes bold prediction about Kyle Shanahan's offense in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers made a major effort this offseason to improve their wide receiver room. The biggest addition was veteran Mike Evans, who gives quarterback Brock Purdy a reliable boundary and red-zone target unlike any receiver he has had during his NFL career. The... -
Writer urges 49ers to consider trading one player—at the right price
There was plenty of speculation surrounding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones this offseason. Many believed the team could trade Brock Purdy's backup before or during the 2026 NFL Draft. That never materialized, and Jones appears poised to remain Purdy's primary backup... -
Only three 49ers would fetch a first-round pick in trade, says ESPN analyst
The San Francisco 49ers are widely regarded as one of the NFL's most talented teams. However, questions remain about the aging core of the roster and the team's recent injury history. Despite losing several key contributors to injuries last season, the 49ers still reached the... -
49ers top 5 most intriguing training camp storylines
Training camp for the San Francisco 49ers is right around the corner. The rookies report next Saturday, July 18, while the veterans come to camp the following Saturday, July 25. With all due respect to the Yuletide season, football fans will tell you this is "the most wonderful...