The 49ers need to add some depth to their roster at tight end during this year’s NFL draft. With only limited draft capital to work with, they may need to go searching in the later rounds. One of the players they could target late on Day 3 is Portland State tight end Charlie Taumoepeau. He told Draft Wire’s Justin Melo the 49ers were one of a handful of teams he held pre-draft FaceTime meetings with.
Taumoepeau was one of the players we selected in our seven-round mock draft. At 6-2, 240 pounds, he probably doesn’t have enough size to be a primary in-line tight end.
His athleticism and willingness to put on multiple hats to help an offense makes him an interesting fit with the 49ers, even if it’s not as a traditional tight end. His skill set could make him a good move tight end who can stress a defense the same way Kyle Juszczyk does. That’s not to say Taumoepeau is going to step into the league and be Juszczyk, but his physical tools match him well with that role.
Portland State quickly started leaning on Taumoepeau as a pass catching weapon. During his sophomore season he racked up 673 yards and three touchdowns on 45 catches. He followed that with 28 receptions for 580 yards and five touchdowns, and closed his college career with 36 catches, 474 yards and two touchdowns.
That’s good, consistent production that will catch the eye of NFL teams. Add in his effort as a blocker and he’s a very interesting Day 3 prospect for a creative offensive coach like Kyle Shanahan in need of tight end depth.
