Tonges Shines as Kittle's Backup, Niners May Skip TE in Draft

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Some mod drafts have the San Francisco 49ers, grabbing a tight end early in the 2026 NFL draft, maybe even at pick number.

27. Behold up. That might not go down. Mainly because back-up Jake Tonge proved he can ball out when star George Kittle hits the sideline.

When Kittle missed seven full games last season, weeks two through six, plus 17 and 20, Tonge is snagged 17.9% target.

Share. Averaging 6.6 targets per game. That led to 34 catches, 328 yards, and three touchdowns, good for 11.8 fantasy points per game.

That output would have ranked eighth among all tight ends, topping guys like Travis Kelsey.

Analysts like ESPN's Mike Clay are pointing this out, saying Tonge could be a solid back-end starter whenever Kittle's out.

Fans and experts see it as a sign that Niners have depth already, cutting the rush to spend a high-pick here.

Still, there are caveats. Tongue strives in Kyle Shanahan's scheme, but his blocking doesn't match Kittle's elite level.

Prospect Kenyansideek brings upside. Yet he might need Ton to develop and won't plug in right away as a full replacement.

So the smart play could be grabbing a blocking tight end later in the draft to pair with Tonge's, letting him handle the receiving load.

With Tonge's proven production and cheat contract, the 49ers look set to roll without burning an early pick on the position.