49ers 90-in-90: Will Charlie Woerner win the backup tight end job?

What do we know about Charlie Woerner? He was drafted in the sixth round out of Georgia. We know Kyle Shanahan wants Woerner to fill the “blocking tight end” role that Levine Toilolo attempted to last season. A quick Twitter search of Woerner features highlight clip after clip of him blocking a defender several yards from where the two started. You can also find clips of Woerner putting defensive ends on their butts:

Woerner did a lot of the dirty work for Georgia. He’s an excellent perimeter blocker. Kyle Shanahan can line Woerner up in the slot, throw a screen pass, and Woerner is athletic enough to block a defensive back and strong enough to move a linebacker. Can Woerner bring anything from a receiver standpoint to the 49ers? His stats wouldn’t indicate so, but Woerner also didn’t have that type of usage in college. Because he wasn’t asked to do something doesn’t mean he cannot do it.

Basic Info

Age: 22 (turns 23 October 16)

Experience: Rookie

Height: 6’4

Weight: 245 pounds

Cap Status

Over the Cap only lists Woerner under contract for 2020 with a base salary of $610,000.

What to expect in 2020

The 49ers scouting staff has flexed its muscles with some recent Day 3 picks, and Woerner is coming into a situation where he is set up for success. Woerner will have every opportunity to win the TE2 job from Ross Dwelley. Blocking won’t be his issue. There are too many examples from the highest college football level that prove Woerner can execute the most difficult blocking assignments.

After he was drafted, Shanahan said, “Woerner’s got to have some pass skill, and we definitely see that, and we’re excited about him.” The 49ers aren’t looking for their Batman or Robin as far as pass catchers go. San Francisco needs a reliable target when defenses turn all their attention to George Kittle, especially in packages where the 49ers use multiple tight ends. Kyle loves to take shots down the field in 13 personnel; three tight ends are on the field. If Woerner can take advantage of these opportunities, you’re looking at your new TE2 and a possible uptick in 12 personnel.

Odds on making the roster

Woerner isn’t a lock to make the roster. Kaden Smith wasn’t last year, either. If Woerner struggles to adapt to his blocking role and doesn’t bring more than what Dwelley does to the table as a receiver, it doesn’t make sense to hold him a roster spot. Woerner will need to be out, Daniel Helm and Chase Harrell. The competition currently on the roster suggests Woerner will be on the roster.