49ers: Way-Too-Early Look at San Francisco's 2017 Starting Lineup

San Francisco 49ers: A Way-Too-Early Prediction of the 2017 Starting Lineup

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Daniel Kilgore (67) prepares to snap the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End

Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek

We list two tight ends here because head coach Chip Kelly doesn’t use a fullback. And tight end Garrett Celek’s extension last offseason means he’s not going anywhere for a while.

But fourth-year pro Vance McDonald is going to be a free agent in 2017. A hunch would suggest the 49ers extend him between now and when he’s scheduled to hit the open market. 2016 is shaping up to be a career year for the one-time second-round bust.

Especially when we see plays like these:

"It’s a 34-27 ballgame after that big @VMcDonald89 TD.#49ers scoring drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:16. #SFvsCAR https://t.co/8SB2Yn8nBq — San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 18, 2016"

McDonald might have needed a few years to finally turn the page and fix his stone-hands reputation.

Finally.

Next: Wide Receiver