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49ers: Ranking Positional Priorities for the 2017 NFL Draft

By Nicholas McGee

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan and chief executive officer Jed York pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan and chief executive officer Jed York pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-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 /

8. Tight End

The value of the tight end position in the NFL has arguably never been higher and that is set to be well illustrated in a draft that features plenty of talent at the position.

There are multiple tight ends in the first-round conversation and, given their lack of impact players at the position, the 49ers would be wise to try to grab a difference-maker there at some point in the draft.

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Vance McDonald received an extension but the drops are still an issue, Logan Paulsen was brought in mainly as a blocking tight end and Blake Bell has simply not panned out thus far.

Throw in Garrett Celek’s woeful 2016 – which deserves to result in him getting cut – and the need at tight end looks great.

What makes it something of a less urgent requirement is the presence of fullback Kyle Juszczyk, likely to operate in the H-back role with his skills as a pass-catcher, but it would be naive to go into the season solely relying on him and McDonald.