Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Best Position Battles to Watch in Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

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November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Garrett Celek (88) is congratulated by tight end Vance McDonald (89) and wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) for scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Garrett Celek (88) is congratulated by tight end Vance McDonald (89) and wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) for scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End

Players on Roster: Busta Anderson, Blake Bell, Devon Cajuste, Garrett Celek, Je’Ron Hamm, Vance McDonald, Kyle Nelson (LS)

Just like running back, the tight end position didn’t seem to be a major position of need. After all, the 49ers locked up possible No. 1 option Garrett Celek to a long-term deal after he turned in, albeit brief, solid 2015 campaign.

Second-year pro Blake Bell continues his maturation process after spending only one season at the position — after a transition from quarterback — at Oklahoma, and it’s unlikely the 49ers are willing to give up on him anytime soon.

The same can’t be said of 2013 draftee Vance McDonald.

2016 could be a make-or-break year for the tight end, who is known for his excellent blocking capabilities yet also his less-than sure hands.

Throw second-year project Busta Anderson, who didn’t play in 2015, as well as Stanford UDFA Devon Cajuste, and the 49ers suddenly have a few bodies to push McDonald either higher or out of the way altogether.

Next: Wide Receiver