George Kittle was almost drafted by who instead of San Francisco?!

George Kittle was almost drafted by who instead of San Francisco?! originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

George Kittle and the San Francisco 49ers' relationship began in 2017 after the organization selected the tight end during the fifth round.

Now, with this year's NFL draft concluding over the weekend, Kittle disclosed that he believed he was actually going to be drafted by the Niners' division rival, the Seattle Seahawks.

While recalling his draft-day experience, Kittle highlighted specific moments throughout his draft process.

"I never even talked to the Niners at all. Besides, they took me on an official visit out there, but they didn't call me again, so I had no idea what to expect," Kittle stated.

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This assumed lack of interest by San Francisco allowed the All-Pro tight end to believe he was headed to Seattle, until the call came through from general manager John Lynch.

"My agent was on the phone with their GM, so I thought it was pretty funny.... Like, 'Yeah, we're taking him with the next pick, Kittle admitted.

Nearly ten years later, drafting Kittle has proved to be one of the best moves in the Niners organization.

Since entering the league in 2017, Kittle has quickly separated himself as one of the best tight ends in the league with four 1,000-plus receiving yard seasons, Pro-Bowls, while also assisting heavily in two Super Bowl appearances.