The San Francisco 49ers appear increasingly likely to take a quarterback in the 2021 NFL draft after trading for the No. 3 overall pick. However, tight end George Kittle knows who he wants to start under center.

Kittle told Kyle Brandt of The Ringer that he understands the desire to spur some competition at any position on the roster. However, he also made it clear he wants incumbent starter Jimmy Garoppolo to be his QB1.

The All-Pro tight end expressed his shock at the Niners moving up nine spots from the No. 12 overall pick. He even had a little Twitter back-and-forth with Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

San Francisco is apparently heading into next month's draft with the idea Garoppolo will indeed be the starter in 2021.

A Niners source confirmed to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter after the trade that Garoppolo is still seen as QB1.

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Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel with blank jerseys and question mark in the middle of both jerseys. NFL Draft logo in the background

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GM John Lynch in the middle, Jordan Morgan, TJ Tampa, Jalyx Hunt around him, and San Francisco 49ers wallpaper in the background

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Of course, that could be subject to change if the Niners take a rookie signal-caller who subsequently has a strong performance in organized team activities (OTAs) and training camp. Might that quarterback be Alabama star Mac Jones?

There is a lot of smoke suggesting the Niners may have traded up for a chance to land Jones. The Crimson Tide star also said he feels San Francisco's offense could benefit him.

All of this is quite speculative for now. There is a very real chance–as the Niners source told Schefter–San Francisco still heads into the season with Garoppolo as the starter and a rookie spending a season developing as the backup.

Regardless, Kittle wants to see Garoppolo prosper.