San Francisco 49ers: Creating the Ideal Roster in 2017

By Peter Panacy | Jan 16, 2017

Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

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November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Garrett Celek (88) is congratulated by tight end Vance McDonald (89) and wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) for scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Garrett Celek (88) is congratulated by tight end Vance McDonald (89) and wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) for scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports /

Tight End

Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek

OK, so there aren’t any changes here.

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This isn’t because the Niners don’t need an upgrade here, rather it’s just both players were signed to relatively lengthy extensions last year. So, for better or for worse, San Francisco is stuck with both tight ends Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek.

McDonald did have a career year in 2016 though. Perhaps the hope is he was just a late bloomer instead of an immediate impact after being drafted in Round 2 back in 2013.

If so, the 49ers were wise to lock McDonald up for the long run.

Celek is a decent No. 2 option, but this position isn’t perfect yet.

But, given the Niners’ needs across the board, tight end is a worry the 49ers can put off for at least another year.