As fantasy football owners plan for the 2025 season, one of the San Francisco 49ers' tight end George Kittle is a value draft pick without giving up on upside. Dropping in the fourth or fifth round, Kittle provides ceiling-level production at a discount to Brock Bowers or Trey McBride. This article dives into why Kittle is a must-draft in 2025 fantasy football, covering his performance, team changes, and strategic draft value.

 

Why George Kittle is a 2025 Fantasy Football Steal

Kittle's ADP in the fourth or fifth round places him as one of the top value selections for 2025 fantasy drafts. Compared to high-end tight ends such as Bowers and McBride, Kittle provides equal value at a discounted cost, giving managers room to invest in running backs or wide receivers. 

His play style is a unicorn that breaks all spreadsheets with elite-level blocking matched with explosive receiving, which makes the nightmare job for anyone trying to matchup. 

With possible roster shakeups adding to his snaps, Kittle is ready for a career year.

 

George Kittle's Performance in 2024: A Template for the 2025 Season

In the 2024 season, Kittle solidified his spot as TE1 in fantasy points per game with 78 receptions, 1,106 yards, and 8 touchdowns. His 43% boom rate topped all tight ends, a testament to his capacity to produce league-winning weeks. Kittle's career data feature 18 40+ yard plays and several 70+ yard plays, a distinction rare for tight ends. His 4.52 40-yard dash speed indicates his athleticism, which is comparable to peers. This high-level efficiency, paired with his red-zone ability (second in 2024 red-zone targets among TEs), has him as a weekly must-start.

 

San Francisco 49ers' Offense: A Perfect Storm for Kittle's Breakout

The 49ers' offense is being revamped for the better, with a potential upside that increases Kittle's fantasy value. The trade of Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk's recovery from injury diminish competition for targets, leaving Kittle a focal point by default of Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers' collective offense, with no clear WR3 and often running with a fullback, directs targets to featured receivers. Kittle's in-line blocking skill generates play-action concepts, which yield the "chunk plays" for which his game is renowned. Projections see Kittle potentially outrunning tight ends with ~150 PPR fantasy points in 2025.

Kittle's four-year, $76.4 million extension deal (with $40 million guaranteed) demonstrates the 49ers' faith, keeping him the centerpiece of their passing attack. This stability makes him more attractive to fantasy operators who seek consistency.

 

Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: Max Value with Kittle

Kittle's ADP as a third-ranked tight end in rounds four or five is unmatched value. When compared to Bowers or McBride, who need second- or third-round picks, Kittle allows managers the opportunity to build depth at running back or receiver before securing an elite tight end. His heavy-leverage application—fifth in deep and second in red-zone receptions among TEs since 2024—has a high floor and ceiling. The ability of Kittle to produce 25+ point performances, second only to Travis Kelce the last five years, makes him a week-to-week difference-maker.

For draft planning, team Kittle with high-round running backs or wide receivers to create roster flexibility. His reliability (top-5 TE finishes in six of the previous seven seasons while healthy) and anticipated 2025 worth make him the centerpiece of a championship-quality team.

 

Mitigating Risks: Age and Injury Issues

At age 32 (turning 33 in October 2025), Kittle's health is a concern. His battering, physical approach has sidelined him in the past, but he played no less than 14 games in recent seasons, showing grit. His 2024 star-grade season and the 49ers' current salary cap spending indicate he's not near slowing down. Fantasy owners need to keep an eye on his health but can draft confidently based on his established history.

 

Why George Kittle is a Must-Draft in 2025

George Kittle is a world-class tight end who provides unprecedented value in 2025 fantasy football drafts' fourth or fifth round. His unconventional combination of blocking and big-play passing receiving, along with a beneficial target share from 49ers roster turnover, sets him up for career-best production. As much as youth is an issue, his 2024 TE1 finish, new deal, and high-end efficiency make him a safe bet but high-ceiling pick. For fantasy owners looking to anchor their leagues, Kittle is an anchor player. Go to fantasy football draft guides for in-depth explanation on how to pursue Kittle and assemble a championship roster.

Maximize your 2025 fantasy draft plan with Kittle serving as your TE cornerstone. Beat the competition with the current draft guides and player projections to win your league's championship!