Santa Clara, CA – June 16, 2025
No one expected much from a seventh-round pick. But when George Kittle speaks, the 49ers listen. And right now, Kittle is throwing his support behind rookie tight end Mason Pline, a late-round addition who is rapidly gaining attention at 49ers minicamp.
Pline, who stands at 6-foot-6 and once pursued a college basketball career before transitioning to football, is trying to become the latest underdog to crack San Francisco’s 53-man roster. The odds are stacked against him. The 49ers' tight end room is already crowded, and undrafted and late-round picks historically struggle to secure a spot. But Kittle sees something special.
“He’s smart, he listens, and he’s physical,” Kittle said after a recent practice. “That’s a good foundation. He’s still raw, but he wants to be great. You can work with that.”
This isn't the first time Kittle has championed a lesser-known name. His own journey from a fifth-round selection to All-Pro status makes him uniquely qualified to recognize overlooked talent. Pline's story resonates with him—and perhaps that’s why Kittle is so vocal in his support.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and tight ends coach Brian Fleury have been non-committal publicly, but behind the scenes, there's a growing curiosity about whether Pline can stick. His size and catch radius offer intrigue, but it’s his ability to block and adapt to the team’s complex schemes that will decide his fate.
“I don’t care if he was picked in the seventh round or off the street. If he competes the right way, he’s got a shot,” Kittle added.
The 49ers have been known to find gold late in the draft, and if Pline pans out, it won’t just be another lucky pick—it might be Kittle’s legacy in the making. Supporting a long shot who becomes a contributor? That’s how cultures are built.
As the preseason approaches, all eyes will be on Mason Pline. And if George Kittle is right, this gamble might just pay off.
