49ers Training Camp position-by-position breakdown

Tight End Breakdown

Vernon Davis is the man at tight end for the 49ers. Though he disappointed (and was disappointed) by his lack of production and lack of use this past season, the “man with a brand” will hopefully get enough fuel from Jamba Juice to turn around his recent poor performances.

Joining him will be Derek Carrier and Blake Bell for certain. Bell, a giant 6’6″ rookie out of Oklahoma, will still be learning the position, having played it for only one year (he played quarterback previously). Carrier has shown himself to be a solid, if not outstanding, second tight end and was rewarded with a two year extension this offseason. He did, however, deal with a foot injury at the end of 2014 and will have to show he is healthy.

Kyle Nelson and Vance McDonald will be battling over the 4th tight end for the 49ers. McDonald will be the one who does not make the cut, most likely, as Nelson is the 49ers long-snapper and thus holds enough value to make the roster as a 4th tight end who would only otherwise play in very, very rare situations (even for the 49ers, whose offensive philosophy will not change too much under new offensive coordinator Geep Chryst).

Davis is still an athletic freak and will likely improve over last season, but he is entering the twilight of his prime. Bell is still on the up and up with a lot to learn, but he should be very good one day, in addition to being an excellent red zone option for Colin Kaepernick immediately.

Next: Offensive Line Breakdown