The face of "Tight End U" continues to prove why he is the NFL's best tight end.
George Kittle was on a historic pace until a torn Achilles limited him to 11 games last season, but he was still San Francisco's best receiving option. While it pains us to say it, the Brock Purdy-to-George Kittle connection was one of the most lethal in the NFL, especially with all the injuries the 49ers' WR corps suffered last season. While his overall numbers were the lowest they've been since 2022, the former Hawkeye star proved "Tight End U" is still in full force.
Kittle lands at No. 46 overall in the NFL's Top 100 Players list before next season
Kittle has always been a productive tight end since he entered the league in 2017, and he was on pace for another 1,000-yard season if he stayed healthy. Sadly, Kittle tore his Achilles, limiting him to 11 games last season. Despite Kittle missing significant time last season, he still put up solid numbers and is eyeing an early comeback from the injury. In 11 games last season, Kittle finished second on the 49ers in receptions (57) and receiving touchdowns (7), and graded out as one of the top tight ends in multiple metrics.
Even an Achilles injury couldn't slow him down, and before his 10th NFL season, Kittle continues to be a staple of the NFL's Top 100 Players list.
🚨NFL Top 100🚨
— NFL Media (@NFLMedia) July 31, 2026
No. 50 -- Derwin James, @chargers S
No. 49 -- Joe Thuney, @ChicagoBears G
No. 48 -- Josh Hines-Allen, @Jaguars DE
No. 47 -- Quinyon Mitchell, @Eagles CB
No. 46 -- George Kittle, @49ers TE
No. 45 -- Zack Baun, @Eagles LB
No. 44 -- Joe Burrow,… pic.twitter.com/STWUSef5k0
Even though he dropped 15 spots to No. 46 overall, Kittle's production in limited action proves he's still one of the best in the business as he earns a place in the top 50 for the eighth consecutive year. What is more impressive than his overall numbers is that he earned an overall 90.8 grade, the best in the NFL for a tight end. He also earned a 91.2 receiving grade, the best at his position, and a 72.2 run and pass-blocking grade, proving he gets it done in multiple areas. Kittle's overall game is still extremely impressive, and he has all but cemented himself as a future Hall of Famer.
There are currently only 10 tight ends in the Hall of Fame, proving how difficult it is for the position to make it to Canton. With an average season next year after returning from his Achilles injury, it is more than conceivable that Kittle cements his Hall of Fame candidacy.
Kittle is on the brink of notching a rare feat
Kittle has been one of the best all-around tight ends in the game since 2017, proving he is an elite pass-catcher while also being willing to get his hands dirty and effectively block. Just looking at his numbers, Kittle is close to matching the criteria for entering Canton and could easily get there next season. The average career for the 10 tight ends currently in the Hall of Fame is 625 receptions, 8,075 receiving yards, and 59 receiving touchdowns, and Kittle is extremely close to achieving those numbers. Kittle currently has 595 receptions, 8,008 receiving yards, and 52 receiving touchdowns, putting him just 30 receptions, 67 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns away from matching those numbers.
He also has two First-Team All-Pro and seven Pro Bowl selections, which all but guarantee him a spot. If last season taught us anything, it is that Kittle is arguably one of the best all-around tight ends in NFL history and could easily be the 11th or 12th tight end to earn Hall of Fame status, depending on when Travis Kelce retires. Kittle still has a lot of good football left in him, and he could greatly improve his Hall of Fame resume next season.
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