Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting 53-Man Roster in 2016

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69, left) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) celebrate during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69, left) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) celebrate during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Garrett Celek (88) celebrates his second quarter touchdown with tight end Blake Bell (84) against the Houston Texans in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Garrett Celek (88) celebrates his second quarter touchdown with tight end Blake Bell (84) against the Houston Texans in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End

Garrett Celek, Vance McDonald, Blake Bell, Kyle Nelson (LS)

There should be a wide-open competition for the No. 2 tight end spot in 2016.

After signing a four-year, $10.2 million contract extension during the offseason, tight end Garrett Celek should be seen as the team’s best option to hold down the starting spot. He flashed some moments before a season-ending injury last season, and head coach Chip Kelly sure loves utilizing tight ends.

Technically, fullback Bruce Miller isn’t listed as a tight end just yet. Although, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, Miller will be featured at this position, given Kelly’s tendency not to use fullbacks in his offense.

Celek still earns the starting job though. He has a bit more speed with which to work. On the other hand, fourth-year pro Vance McDonald is put on watch. Questionable hands have been the major reason why McDonald’s roster spot is in jeopardy this season.

To recap:

2016 is a make-or-break season for McDonald. Oddly enough, McDonald typically has good preseasons. So this might keep him around for another year.

But that could relegate second-year pro Busta Anderson to the practice squad. For now.

Next: Wide Receiver