Predicting 49ers Starting Lineup After 2016 NFL Draft

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November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Garrett Celek (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End

Garrett Celek
Blake Bell
Vance McDonald
Bruce Miller

Celek has proved himself to be the best tight ends on the 49ers. He is a reliable pass-catcher and sufficient in run blocking. He is the unquestionable starter.

Bell has the ability to become the 49ers best TE, but he will have to beat out Celek if he wants to see more playing time.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wrote this about Kelly’s use of two tight end sets, “If Chip Kelly’s tenure with the Eagles is any indication, the 49ers will rely on their wide receivers far more than their tight ends.”

Barrows also said Kelly’s Eagles used two-tight end sets just 25 percent of the time, while the Niners of Jim Tomsula in 2015 used two tight ends 44 percent of the time.

McDonald and Miller provide a very interesting situation. Both are fantastic run blockers with Miller, being a former fullback, making his transition to TE this year and McDonald being so heavily used as a blocker in the past.

They will both have to earn their spot on this roster or risk being cut — a very intriguing camp battle to watch.

Next: Offensive Line