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Rams vs. 49ers: 5 Week 1 Bold Predictions for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs against St. Louis Rams free safety Rodney McLeod (23) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs against St. Louis Rams free safety Rodney McLeod (23) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) is upended in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) is upended in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: TE Vance McDonald Hauls in Two Touchdown Receptions

Here’s a lofty bold prediction for you — tight end Vance McDonald’s problem with the dropsies is all but over.

Too far?

Perhaps. But let’s go with another bold prediction. San Francisco’s fourth-year tight end winds up hauling in not one, but two touchdown grabs from quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

Why would this happen?

Well, the 49ers don’t have a lot of answers outside of No. 1 wide receiver Torrey Smith. And we can guess head coach Chip Kelly will utilize his tight ends a lot more than former head coach Jim Tomsula.

McDonald developed a bit of a rapport with Gabbert last season, which led to three touchdowns in what was the former Rice product’s best season as a pro. And the 49ers will be relying on him to make a substantial impact in 2016.

We saw some of this in the preseason. McDonald led all 49ers receivers with 94 receiving yards. Sure, these stats don’t exactly count. But we can gauge the use.

Los Angeles also gave up a total of 85 catches for 933 yards to tight ends last season. That’s an average of 5.3 grabs and 58.3 yards allowed per game.

The opportunities should be there.

Next: 49ers Give Up Zero Sacks