Locked On 49ers - Daily Podcast On The San Francisco 49ers 49ERS SQUAD SHOW: NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS to Target, George Kittle Ahead of Schedule?
Feb 19, 2026
Dwayne Bord, four-time Super Bowl champ offering veteran recovery and roster insight, and Ayrton Ostley, USA Today draft analyst, break down tight end timelines, who could fill in if George Kittle’s return is delayed, and the 49ers’ wide receiver draft priorities. They also debate trade targets, salary constraints, and the team’s grueling 2026 travel schedule.
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Tight End Class Has Clear Archetype Split
- The 2026 draft features a split TE class: one elite vertical threat and many mid-round prospects with varied blocking traits.
- San Francisco can find usable blocking/pass-protector types in rounds 3–5 to supplement their room.
Consider Njoku As A Complementary TE
- Consider signing David Njoku as a physical, rotational tight end to pair with Kittle after he returns.
- Use Njoku as a complementary piece to provide two-tight-end formations and occasional relieve reps for Kittle.
Ayrton's Personal Achilles Recovery
- Ayrton shared his own faster-than-typical Achilles recovery and contrasts with Kittle's higher tear location.
- He explains lower tears often suffer worse blood flow and healing compared to higher tears like Kittle's.