Niner Noise
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49ers: 5 Players Who Should Make 53-Man Roster but Won’t

By James LeBreton

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November 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) reacts after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) reacts after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Vance McDonald

In the 2013 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected tight end Vance McDonald with pick No. 55 overall. He was supposed to make up for the loss of tight end Delanie Walker. They also hoped that one day he could fill the shoes of TE Vernon Davis.

In the absence of these two, McDonald is having a phenomenal training camp.

But how long will that last?

He’s not the sure-handed receiver the team thought he was when they drafted him. McDonald has had some key drops in some clutch moments when the team desperately needed a play.

Also, head coach Chip Kelly’s playbook doesn’t feature a fullback, but Bruce Miller is a big part of the teams offense. That’s why in training camp the team slotted him as a tight end.

Miller would win this positional battle, hands down.

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So what about the backup position?

If McDonald was considered the obvious choice, then why did fellow TE Garrett Celek just sign a four-year extension. Shouldn’t that contract go to the guy who can take control of the game and lead his team to victory?

Maybe it did.

The team also has second-year pro Blake Bell, who saw minimal action as a rookie, and Busta Anderson, who has yet to play a regular-season game. It’s too early in their development process for them to be cut from the team.

This team will not carry four tight ends. It also appears that the 49ers will no longer require McDonald’s services.

Next: Why the 49ers Will Make a Leap to the Postseason in 2017

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.