49ers: Way-Too Early Predictions for 2017 Starting Lineup

San Francisco 49ers: Way-Too Early Predictions for 2017 Starting Lineup

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) congratulates defensive end Arik Armstead (91) for sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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49ers fullback Bruce Miller. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End

Tight End: Garrett Celek

H-Back: Bruce Miller

Tight end Garrett Celek received a four-year, $10.2 million contract extension during the offseason, which means the 49ers would ideally like to work him into their offensive plans more than what has been seen out of the former depth player previously.

He’ll be the starting tight end on San Francisco’s depth chart in 2017. But we can’t overlook former fullback Bruce Miller’s role since it may be of utmost importance.

Miller’s work as a fullback makes him a nice option to fill an H-back role moving forward. He can line up in the backfield, along the line or even outside in the slot. We’ve seen these roles before, and we’ll likely get a better idea of his use under head coach Chip Kelly — who loves his tight ends — in 2016.

Tight ends Blake Bell and Busta Anderson may serve as backups, but this also means former 2013 draftee Vance McDonald is pushed out of the picture. His contract expires in 2017, and it’s highly doubtful the Niners re-sign him.

Unless McDonald finally breaks out.

Next: Wide Receiver