Originally posted by Giedi:
Originally posted by 49erphan:
I think the offense will be going to more three wide receiver sets. That means that Miller (fullback) and Vance (tight end) will probably be playing less snaps - and my hunch is that more often Miller will more likely to stay in than Vance to keep a little more flexibility in power run options from the three receiver sets. With less two tight end sets, I think it is less important to add another highly talented tight end in the draft. I think having Davis and Vance (who plays special teams pretty well) with Celek or another tight end who can play special teams is plenty enough for now.
Admittedly, this is a bit of change in what I was thinking when it looked like Vernon could possibly be a tough hold out. Now that he isn't, I think the Niners management probably have at least another year to see how things shake out before deciding that it might be time to move on from Vernon.
I'm pretty sure you are right that they go to more of a 3 WR set. But where the three tight end set would be most effective is in the red zone and short yardage situations.
Having said that, I'm actually looking to see if carlos hyde can play a bit of fullback or H-back myself. I still think Harbaugh will be a run first coach, the two Martins, Lattimore, and Hyde is way too much draft capital to spend on the ground game if he's truly intending to be a pass first coach.
I hope the coaches come up with some creative ways to use all that talent at the running back and tight ends positions while still putting three wide receivers out there. I can see the potential of Hyde having a significant role if he can pick up the complexity of the offense quick enough to be flexible in the position he plays.
I can see three tight end sets near the goal line possibly working. They need to come up with something because they still too often seem to have to settle for field goals from inside the red zone.