Editor’s note: In preparation for the start of 49ers training camp later this month, we’ll go through each position and break down our projected depth chart and project each player’s chances at making the team. The first practice is scheduled for July 26.

One 49ers tight end in 2017 finished second on the team in yards receiving. The other led the club in touchdown catches.

It’s clear coach Kyle Shanahan prizes one of the most versatile positions on the field. And the success of the team’s tight ends could indicate the overall potency of the offense this fall.

Second-year player George Kittle, who had 515 yards receiving – trailing only Marquise Goodwin – could make a significant leap in 2018. If he does, he will take some attention away from Garrett Celek, who had snagged four touchdown catches to lead the team.

Celek is also the protagonist of “Celek Time,” the offense’s favorite celebration that was created late last season (whenever he scores a touchdown, his teammates point to their imaginary watches and scream, “Celek time!” There’s no concrete reasoning behind this. That’s part of its appeal).

Shanahan uses his tight ends to create mismatches and find opportunities to catch the defense off balanced. He uses 13 personnel (one running back, three tight ends, one receiver) more than just about every offensive coordinator in the NFL.

The extra blockers help in the running game, but also provide receiving threats when defenses overzealously attack the line of scrimmage. Perhaps no one gets tight ends open in space via misdirection plays more than Shanahan.

In the red zone, expect Shanahan to rely on his big-bodied tight ends more often in 2018 after finishing 27th in the NFL in scoring efficiency inside the 20-yard line. Celek and Kittle accounted for 40 percent of touchdown receptions while six other players had scoring grabs.

Let’s take a look at the 49ers’ situation at tight end with training camp just around the corner.

George Kittle

Kittle’s numbers (43 receptions, 515 yards, two touchdowns) as a rookie don’t immediately scream breakout candidate in Year 2. But the context of his stats point in that direction. He was one of nine rookie tight ends over the last decade to log more than 500 yards, according to Pro Football Focus. Not bad for a fifth-round draft pick.

(George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers – Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)

Kittle was 18th among tight ends in both catches and yardage while playing the majority of the season with Brian Hoyer and C.J. Beathard at quarterback. Conventional wisdom suggests more time in the offense and a full campaign with Jimmy Garoppolo should bring a significant boost to the former Iowa Hawkeye.

Kittle caught 68 percent of the passes thrown in his direction, including 15 of 19 (79 percent) from Garoppolo during the team’s five-game winning streak to end the season. He made a catch in every game he played despite dealing with a litany of injuries throughout the year, including calf, hip, chest, back, elbow and ankle ailments. Kittle might offer good value late in your fantasy draft.

Projection: No. 1 tight end

Chances Kittle makes the 53-man roster: 99 percent