Niner Noise
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Predicting the San Francisco 49ers Starting Lineup in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End

The 49ers locked up No. 2 tight end Garrett Celek last offseason, so he’ll provide an adequate depth piece moving forward.

The remaining question is whether or not the Niners want to do the same with former second-round draft pick Vance McDonald.

Early stages of McDonald’s career were marked by injury and poor pass-catching abilities. He’s seemed to finally put those worries behind him this year, and McDonald is on pace to have a career season in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns. He already has four end-zone scores, which is a career high.

San Francisco hasn’t exercised its fifth-year option on McDonald yet, which means the team is likely still in wait-and-see mode.

Considering the plethora of needs the Niners have this offseason, it would make sense to put off any tight end upgrades until 2018 or later. Extending McDonald is probably the best choice at this point in time.

Tight End: Vance McDonald