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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Veterans Who May Be on the Roster Bubble in 2016

By Jerod Brown

Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) autographs a jersey with his name on it after the win against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi's Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) autographs a jersey with his name on it after the win against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi's Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers receiver tight end Vance McDonald (89) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Mike Morgan (57) at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers receiver tight end Vance McDonald (89) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Mike Morgan (57) at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

Vance McDonald-Tight End

2015 Statistics

Tight end Vance McDonald actually showed flashes of improvement in 2015. Unfortunately, it may be too little too late. The team recently gave an extension to tight end Garrett Celek and has sophomores Blake Bell and Rory “Busta” Anderson on the roster as well.

Add undrafted sleeper Devon Cajuste to the mix and McDonald will be fighting for a roster spot against better athletes that offer upside. McDonald may have already had his chance with the team and he failed to capitalize.

With the Eagles, Kelly carried three tight ends on the roster. With the 49ers, it’s reasonable to assume he’ll carry four. The team simply has too many good athletes at the position, and may have to trim the fat at other positions to hang on to said players.

That’s working in McDonald’s favor. As a backup to Vernon Davis, McDonald hasn’t ever gone into a season with the potential to start. Kelly coached Brent Celek, brother to 49ers’ Garrett Celek, in Philadelphia and likely envisions similar success from the younger tight end.

Blake Bell is a recent draft choice and should see improvement heading into his sophomore season.

Busta Anderson is an athletic tight end that creates matchup difficulties for defenses. He may not start, but he’s worth holding on to as a core special teams player and depth player. In case you’re struggling to remember what Anderson might bring to the team, enjoy a meaningless preseason touchdown. 

So, Vance may stay or Vance may go. It’ll hinge greatly on the number of tight ends the team carries and how they label Devon Cajuste. Regardless, for the first time in his career, Vance McDonald is on the roster bubble and will need to stand out in camp to convince the team to let other young players go.

Next: Best Player on the Team Without a Position