George Kittle contract: Checking on 8 TEs picked ahead in 2017

Conclusion

George Kittle is a testament to a variety of things.

First of all, if you work hard in the NFL you never know what might happen.

Second, availability is truly one of the best abilities. Kittle has appeared in all but three games so far in his NFL career, tied for the most games played of any tight end in this class.

Third, NFL teams have to stop overthinking when it comes to evaluating talent. Kittle is a prime example of what you would consider a ‘worthwhile risk’ in terms of his productivity and athletic ability matching up for a potentially combustible (in a good way) combination.

The fact that Kittle came from a school in Iowa which has been historically known for producing NFL-ready talent at tight end more often than not adds to the insult for all NFL teams that didn’t select him for four rounds.

Through three NFL seasons, Kittle has eclipsed 1,000 yards twice and is right there with Travis Kelce in terms of the most versatile, dynamic receiving threats in the NFL at the tight end position.

Add in Kittle’s tremendous blocking abilities and his importance to San Francisco in the running game, and there is no question that his contract is warranted.

Future NFL tight ends will attempt to model their games after Kittle, not only showing out as receivers but emphasizing blocking and making plays after the catch, where Kittle has rare vision and agility for someone of his size.