49ers credit C.J. Beathard for drafting Hall of Fame tight end George Kittle

The San Francisco 49ers owe part of their success in drafting future Hall of Fame tight end George Kittle to former quarterback C.J. Beathard, according to a report by ninernoise.com.

Beathard, who was a close friend of Kittle from the University of Iowa, helped ease the 49ers' concerns about Kittle's reputation as a partier during the draft process in 2017.

Matt Barrows of The Athletic detailed how Beathard's backing of Kittle was instrumental in the team deciding to draft him in the fifth round, a decision that has become one of the most important in franchise history.

This support helped Kittle catch the 49ers' attention despite initial doubts, leading to his eventual success and recognition on San Francisco's historic '10-year' wall alongside fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

The story highlights the impact of personal relationships and trust in the draft decisions that shape the 49ers' roster and legacy.