Niner Noise
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Predicting What the San Francisco 49ers Starting Lineup Looks Like in 2018

By Peter Panacy

Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) carries the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) carries the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) lines up 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
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) lines up 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 /

Tight End

NFL Draft pick, Vance McDonald

We go with two tight ends in this picture, even though head coach Kyle Shanahan typically uses a fullback.

Yes, tight end Vance McDonald enjoyed a career-high year in 2016 and signed an extension last year that will keep him in San Francisco through the 2021 season.

But McDonald probably won’t be anything more than a No. 2 TE in a good offense. The Niners would be wise to look for some upgrades.

Ideally, the 49ers look for a player like former Niners, and current Tennessee Titans, tight end Delanie Walker. Oh, letting him go sure hurts. But that kind of production would be a welcomed addition to an offense needing playmakers almost anywhere.