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Ranking All San Francisco 49ers 2016 Positions by Strength

By Bobby Horne

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly looks on from the sidelines during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly looks on from the sidelines during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) catches a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) catches a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 9: Tight End

The tight end position for the 49ers has generally been a serious strength among the team. They should still be considered a strength, but for different reasons.

The days of seeing Vernon Davis blow past the safety downfield to reel in a huge catch are gone.

Today’s tight ends have proven to be reliable in the short passing game with players like Garrett Celek. Tight end Vance McDonald has been a stellar run blocker and has found his hands in the preseason, finishing with six catches for 94 yards and a touchdown in three games.

The potential of college QB, turned TE, Blake Bell is starting to emerge.

As a group, they are a fairly solid unit. And if they can maintain some consistency, the Niners TEs might find themselves higher on this list by Week 17.

Next: Cornerback