49ers vs. Chargers: 5 Biggest Takeaways for San Francisco
Vance McDonald Has Arrived
Speaking of potential draft-day busts, former second-round pick Vance McDonald is running away with the tight end competition.
He should have been slotted as a sure-handed receiver when the team parted ways with Delanie Walker. Even more importantly, McDonald should have been able to step into the starting role with last year’s midseason trade of Vernon Davis.
Spoiler alert — he’s doing it this year in a better-late-than-never type of way.
#49ers TEs Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek are not in uniform. Bruce Miller, Blake Bell and Je’Ron Hamm are only TEs who will play.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 2, 2016
In the first week of play, McDonald scored on the team’s first-and-only touchdown of 44 yards. He’s also moved the chains, making some key grabs in other weeks as well.
His first two seasons were filled with disappointment and dropped passes on key plays. Though it seemed as though he would fade away during preseason and be cut before Week 1, McDonald made the best of his opportunity and has shined when he needed it most.
His absence from last night’s game would suggest he’s already earned the starting role.
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