Position group discussion: Tight End | Page 2

Karma · 2013-05-09T05:23:52-07:00

One of my favorite things to do is to try to predict the 53 man roster at different points in the off season. This year presents a challenge because of the talent and potential across the current roster. I decided to take a look at each position group individually and open discussion in a more focused way. I would like to create a thread for each position group, if that works for everyone. I'll start with tight end since it is smaller but intriguing. Roster Spots: 3 Locks: Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald Competition: Garrett Celek vs. Cameron Morrah vs. Marquies Gray Outlook: The two locks are pretty simple. Davis will look to build the same rapport with Kaepernick that he had with Smith. McDonald will need to learn the blocking schemes for this offense, but he has experience playing multiple positions and he must be intelligent to play for Rice. His development will be the determining factor for the third spot in this position group. If he struggles with his run blocking the team will most likely go with Celek or Morrah. Both of these players are solid blockers who offer very little in the passing game. If, however, McDonald develops as a solid inside blocker, the team can afford to be creative with the position and go with Gray. Gray played QB in college but his size, speed, athleticism, and experience as a WR make him a potential match up nightmare. He is currently listed as an HB, but we all know how fluid position titles can be on this team. Plus, Gray has been working out with former NFL TE Ben Utecht in an attempt to add to his versatility.

Position group discussion: Tight End

May 9, 2013 at 5:39 PM

#16

ChaunceyGardner
Q46 Draft Winner
Posts: 23,792

double post.

[ Edited by ChaunceyGardner on May 9, 2013 at 5:52 PM ]

May 9, 2013 at 7:25 PM

#17

Tman
Veteran
Posts: 13,798

Move Vernon to safety

May 10, 2013 at 5:45 PM

#18

LifelongNiner
Veteran
Posts: 24,649

We are lacking in experience at TE, but I wouldn't call it a position of worry. Vernon Davis was coming on very strong during the playoffs and hopefully he can Colin Kaepernick can continue. Lots of questions marks there, but previous history with our coaching staff suggests that unknown doesn't equal bad when it comes to our team. Whoever wins the battle for the number two and three tight end positions will be ready to go come September.

May 12, 2013 at 12:15 PM

#19

ninergold
Veteran
Posts: 846

i'm hoping someone will be willing to send a pick for the loser of the Celek - Morrah battle.

May 12, 2013 at 2:13 PM

#20

TheRickestRick
Veteran
Posts: 10,450

Originally posted by ninergold:
i'm hoping someone will be willing to send a pick for the loser of the Celek - Morrah battle.

Nah teams know that they can wait for our cuts to pick up a decent #2 TE... Bear Pascoe - Giants, Nate Byham - Bucs, Konrad Rueland - Jets.

May 12, 2013 at 3:06 PM

#21

xtm059
Veteran
Posts: 1,979

Not too concerned about the TE spot. Whoever the #2 spot goes to this year will be a hell of a player. The competition's pretty stiff.

May 12, 2013 at 7:02 PM

#22

mebemused
Veteran
Posts: 2,027

Gil Brandt had this to say about McDonald in an article on impact players drafted in the second day.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000167903/article/tyrann-mathieu-montee-ball-among-key-picks-beyond-round-1

He listed 9 players:

Vance McDonald, TE, RiceSan Francisco 49ers, Round 2, No. 55 overall

McDonald is a great steal. He should step right in and contribute from Week 1 as the Niners' second tight end, out-producing the departed Delanie Walker in that capacity. He has the speed and coordination to play the position and possesses very good hands, though he must learn to block better.

Looking forward to seeing him out-produce Delanie this season.

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Position group discussion: Tight End