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San Francisco 49ers: Position-by-Position Prediction of 2016 Roster in Advance of Free Agency

By Peter Panacy

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) pass protects in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) pass protects in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates after a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Arizona Cardinals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates after a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Arizona Cardinals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End (3)

Vance McDonald, Blake Bell, Busta Anderson

Following two forgettable years as a pro, tight end Vance McDonald was able to show some things towards the tail end of the 2015 season. While this may or may not be an indication of things to come, it’s safe to say the 49ers would be willing to give him one more shot to prove he was worth a second-round pick back in 2013.

Head coach Chip Kelly could also be the type of offensive mindset that properly utilizes McDonald.

The same could be said of second-year pro tight end Blake Bell.

Bell could give San Francisco reason enough to let veteran tight end Garrett Celek depart via free agency. While Celek had a number of positive moments last season before landing on injured reserve, the 49ers’ depth here could mandate him signing elsewhere in 2016.

And a big reason behind that would be second-year tight end Busta Anderson. Anderson, who missed his rookie season with an injury, is 6’4″ and 246 pounds.

Remember what was said of Kelly liking big-bodied targets?

Next: Offensive Line