The 49ers selected Georgia’s Charlier Woerner with the No. 190 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft on Saturday, and got a tough, blocking tight end that aspires to be like All-Pro George Kittle.
Through four seasons as a Bulldog, Woerner caught 34 passes for 376 yards and one touchdown, and was used primarily for blocking. Kittle had similarly low receiving stats at Iowa catching 48 passes for 737 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Woerner is very familiar with what Kittle has been able to do during his three seasons in Santa Clara. He expressed his excitement in becoming teammates with the 49ers star.
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“I’m super pumped to be in the tight ends room with him,” Woerner said. “As a guy who blocks a lot at Georgia I just love watching him play, just the way and style he played at the 49ers this year and how aggressive he is in the blocking game. I love to emulate him, try to be like him.”
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Woerner is familiar with coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive system and the blocking required by the tight ends group. He shared that he watched the entire NFL post season and appreciated how his new head coach calls plays. The Georgia tight end is ready to step in however his new team sees fit.
"I kind of see myself as a do it all guy,” Woerner said. “A guy who can do anything and really going to do what the team asks me to do. That’s what I did at Georgia. Just want to do whatever it takes to win a ball game.”
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Stepping in at fullback is also something that is on the table for Woerner, having had some experience while at Georgia. He could relieve some pressure off of both Kittle and fullback Kyle Juszczyk during practice and in games.
Woerner had spoken to 49ers tight ends coach John Embree more than once prior to the draft. While he wasn’t sure what would happen, he did have a good feeling about possibly ending up with the 49ers.
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“I’m just looking forward to join winning football team to learn and become a better football player,” Woerner said. “I know it’s a great team on the rise team and they just played for the Super Bowl. Super pumped to go out there and do anything that the team asks me to do to win more ball games.”