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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Players Entering a Make-or-Break Season in 2016

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on 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 quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on 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 /
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August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Andrew Gachkar (52) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Andrew Gachkar (52) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Tight End Vance McDonald

The 2013 NFL Draft isn’t looking too good as we’ve reached our third player from that year’s draft class, who happens to find himself on this list.

And there will be more.

Tight end Vance McDonald, a former second-round pick from 2013, has underwhelmed and disappointed over his first three seasons at the pro level. Since being drafted, McDonald has registered a mere 40 receptions for 475 receiving yards and three touchdowns — certainly not the type of numbers for a player the Niners envisioned as a versatile H-back.

True, McDonald’s blocking abilities should be commended. He posted a plus-1.5 pass-blocking grade, per PFF, last season.

But McDonald’s hands have been the biggest issue even if 2015 marked his best season as a pro.

Who can forget this:

Such has been the story for McDonald since being taken by the 49ers. Now, with the recent extension for fellow TE Garrett Celek in place, McDonald’s chances look even slimmer.

Tack on up-and-coming tight ends like Blake Bell and Busta Anderson, and McDonald will have to do more than just use his blocking abilities to stay with the Niners beyond 2016.

McDonald will probably make the roster this season. For whatever reason, he has solid preseason campaigns. It’s in the regular season where the 25-year-old veteran has failed to live up to expectations.

Next: No. 4: S Antoine Bethea