Summary

George Kittle was selected in Round 5 (#146 Overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of Iowa. A former walk-on and multi-year contributor with the Hawkeyes, Kittle entered the NFL known for toughness and blocking more than production, but he rapidly developed into one of the league’s most complete tight ends. Through the 2024 season, Kittle has recorded 6,000+ career receiving yards, 35+ touchdowns, and multiple 1,000-yard seasons, including a then-record 1,377 receiving yards in 2018 for a tight end. Kittle is a five-time Pro Bowler and multiple-time First-Team All-Pro, widely regarded as one of the premier tight ends of his generation. He has been a foundational piece of multiple deep playoff runs, including Super Bowl and NFC Championship appearances, consistently performing at a high level in postseason play. Beyond the numbers, Kittle is renowned for his elite competitiveness, infectious energy, leadership, football intelligence, and unselfishness, setting the tone both on and off the field. His motor, toughness, and love for the game are frequently cited as culture-defining traits within the organization.

Strengths

• Elite Run Blocking: Dominant in-line blocker with power, leverage, and relentless effort that essentially functions like an extra offensive lineman. Deadly off play-action due to blocking credibility and burst into routes.

• Yards After Catch (YAC): Exceptional balance, strength, and aggression with the ball. Plays through contact, thrives over the middle and in traffic, and consistently breaks tackles.

• Route Running: Savvy, efficient routes with strong feel for leverage and coverage spacing. Can align in-line, slot, motion, or backfield; creates matchup problems across formations.

• Hands & Catch Radius: Reliable hands with the ability to finish difficult catches.

Weaknesses

• Durability Concerns: Physical play style has led to missed time with various injuries and his heavy blocking and contact workload can limit snap volume over a full season.

• Top-End Speed Decline (Aging Curve): While Kittle is still fast for the position, he does not possess the same long-speed as early career, which may be a residual effect of usage wear and tear.

• Target Volume Fluctuation: Offensive structure and blocking demands can reduce statistical consistency, especially with the amount of target volume that Shanahan likes to provide for Christian McCaffrey.

• Penalty Risk: Aggressive demeanor occasionally leads to unnecessary penalties.

Outlook

Kittle is the ideal tight end for physical, play-action-based offenses that demand both elite blocking and explosive receiving from the position. His ability to sell run looks while seamlessly transitioning into routes makes him a cornerstone of systems built on formation versatility and deception. Kittle’s presence allows offenses to maintain personnel continuity without tipping play calls, stressing defenses both structurally and physically. Looking ahead, Kittle projects as a high-impact veteran centerpiece whose value extends beyond box-score production. While his workload may be managed to preserve health, his effectiveness as a blocker, leader, and situational playmaker remains elite. Even as his career progresses, Kittle’s toughness, intelligence, and versatility should keep him among the most influential tight ends in football, with continued value as a tone-setter and difference-maker on contending teams.