George Kittle's affinity for blocking never has been a secret. One of the league's best run-blockers not on an offensive line, Kittle's status as the league's best tight end comes from his versatility as a blocker and ability as a pass-catcher.
So it's not surprising that Kittle is thrilled to now be blocking alongside seven-time Pro Bowl selection Trent Williams for the 49ers.
"I don't have to play very well and when we play next to each other, it's still going to look really good," Kittle said on "The Rich Eisen Show" on Monday. "You'll work on your double teams, doubling the defensive end up to a linebacker, I don't know if he needs me to block both of them, that's what's so cool. I feel like I'm just the icing on top when it comes to any time I block with him.
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"He makes my job easy, and he's incredibly fast. He's just fun to be in a huddle with too, I just appreciate his knowledge and just how much the game means to him. You can just see it every time he steps on the field. He's done great in our locker room, and I think it's going to be really fun to play with him all year."
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Williams was acquired in a trade during the NFL draft, with the 49ers giving up a pair of draft picks to the Washington Football Team. Although he missed all of the 2019 season while dealing with injuries and a complicated history with Washington's medical staff, Williams is 32 years old and immediately will slide in and replace retired franchise icon Joe Staley.
Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Nick Bosa has called facing Williams so far in training camp "really fun."
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With Williams and Kittle in the fold, the 49ers' running game should return to being among one of the NFL's best in 2020.