Bill Belichick on George Kittle: ‘He’s as good as anybody that I’ve coached’

Belichick indicated George Kittle and Rob Gronkowski are equals.

Bill Belichick paid San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle a high compliment on Monday.

The Patriots coach told San Francisco media that Kittle is “as good as anybody that I’ve coached and as good as anybody I’ve played against.”

Wow.

In case you need a refresher, Belichick coached Rob Gronkowski, widely considered one of the best tight ends ever to play the game. Belichick also coached Mark Bavaro, another all-time great at the position. The Patriots coach tends to issue major compliments to his opponents in the week leading up to a matchup. But it’s surprising to hear Belichick suggest that Gronk and Kittle are equals, even with Patriots-49ers slated for Sunday.

Kittle is the most complete tight end in the NFL, and appears to be on pace to have as productive a career as Gronk had — if not more productive. And Kittle’s game might be as good as Gronk looked at his peak. Kittle’s ability to maintain his high level of production could cement him alongside Gronk as one of the best ever to play the position.

[vertical-gallery id=91049]