Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 5 Best Position Battles to Watch This Offseason

By Rob Lowder

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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 /

Tight End

Roster: Garret Celek, Vance McDonald, Blake Bell, Bruce Miller, Rory Anderson, Je’Ron Hamm

The 49ers did not draft a single tight end in the 2016 NFL Draft, however, there are still new and competitive additions to the position group.

Bruce Miller, a college defensive end converted fullback after being drafted in 2011, is now being asked to adapt to a new position once again. This time, Miller will attempt to convert to tight end in order to survive in a Chip Kelly offense that has very little need for a fullback.

A highly effective blocker and an admirable pass-catcher, Miller has a chance to shake up the TE group if he transitions well.

Garret Celek, after signing a contract extension through 2019, should remain the leading option.

December 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) catches a pass against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Shawn Williams (36) during the first quarter at Levi
December 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) catches a pass against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Shawn Williams (36) during the first quarter at Levi /

Beyond Celek, the competition is wide open.

Blake Bell, a 2015 fourth-round selection and converted quarterback, had an encouraging start for seeing limited snaps. He now has a chance to earn the No. 2 role and it would seem his roster spot is safe.

While Vance McDonald may be among the most experienced, he has provided little impact outside of blocking. He also has some of the worst hands in the NFL. He may be a second-round pick, but his role and roster spot are definitely in jeopardy.

Rory Anderson was a seventh round pick in the 2015 draft but was placed on the injured reserve list before the start of the season. He is an intriguing option in the passing game but will definitely have his work cut out for him if he wishes to claim one of presumably three to four roster spots reserved for the position.

The wildcard? More on him later.

Next: Battle No. 4