Help from George Kittle’s #1 TE Position Detail Coach & Analyst

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George Kittle warms up before the 49ers play the Bengals on December 12, 2021.

ESPN settled a debate for the third year in a row on Thursday morning: Who is better between Kansas City Captains Travis Kelce or San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle.

“The People’s Tight End” made the headlines again.

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In a poll and series of interviews conducted by senior NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the 49ers veteran has never been ranked below 3rd place by ESPN while in his prime. career. And once again, All-Pro claims the top spot.

But why he took the top spot this year is an explanation most fans want to know. Fowler’s conversation with a coach plus his own analysis laid out why.

‘Like an explosive player’

Fowler first mentioned how Kittle’s all-round game “remains popular with voters, leading to him winning a third consecutive first place”.

The insider explained how Kittle came up with “modest” end-of-season numbers: 71 catches, 910 yards and 6 touches. But as revealed by each Next Generation Status, Kittle’s 6.2 catches above expectations, and his 19.4% reception per route run are both the second-highest of all finishes. rigid.

That’s Fowler’s reason for Kittle. But an offensive trainer who didn’t agree with Fowler gave his scouting report on Kittle – detailing Kittle’s ranking.

“He’s an explosive player with or without the ball, running the game, running after the catch – that’s the biggest thing for me,” the NFC offensive coach said. “He was never going to be a great long-distance runner. But he plays physically through contact, and his understanding, and his pace of play is so fast he can get through all of that. “

Who is behind Kittle in order?

So, with Kittle at the top, what’s the rest of the order according to ESPN?

Kelce came in second, then Darren Waller of the Las Vegas Raiders claimed third, followed by Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens and in fifth place, Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons.

There are NFL fans who constantly argue that Kelce is the tightest finisher worldwide and his production speaks for itself. However, Fowler wrote down two reasons why Kelce lags behind Kittle: Age and deterrence.

“The No. 1 spot has implied Kelce for three years, but he is almost four years older than Kittle, and Kittle will always have the edge against him,” Fowler said. “But let’s not discount Kelce’s history with 704 catches for 9,006 yards since 2014 – and how he does it.”

One more AFC scout, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Fowler: “When it comes to the route, put him out there the whole game and ask him to isolate and win, still nothing. who is better in this position.” Finally, a veteran AFC offensive coach pointed out how well Kelce “remains performing in key moments. Just look at the end of [Buffalo] Bill game [in the playoffs]. “

The sophomore Pitts is a newcomer to the top five TE teams. That was after his 1,026-yard season in his rookie campaign. Pitts replaced Detroit Lions’ TJ Ho Chickenon in 5th place.

The full Top 10 list is below: