Fantasy Football: An early look at 49ers options in 2017

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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 /

Fantasy Option No. 2: 49ers Tight Ends

No. 1 tight end Vance McDonald was the subject of trade talks prior to the NFL Draft, so it appears the Niners aren’t exactly intent on keeping him.

If they do, he’ll be in direct competition with free-agent pickup Logan Paulsen and rookie draftee George Kittle.

Neither Paulsen nor Kittle are legitimate fantasy football targets, although Kittle may be worth a look in dynasty leagues. He’ll wind up being the No. 1 TE at some point for San Francisco.

Just like quarterback Brian Hoyer, ESPN’s Matthew Berry ranks McDonald at No. 28 out of 30 tight ends entering 2017. This means he’s worth little more than a backup on your roster, and he’s probably not worth a roster spot anyway.

We all know the issue with McDonald. His hands aren’t NFL worthy. Yet he did have career highs in both receiving yards (391) and touchdowns (four) last season in an offense that scantly used its tight ends to maximum effect. And your league probably doesn’t punish for dropped passes.

This should change under head coach Kyle Shanahan, who even managed to turn Logan Paulsen into a decent receiving threat in 2012 and 2013.

San Francisco still might give starting duties to Paulsen, Kittle or even Garrett Celek. So keep an eye on these developments if you wind up short of a tight end to start the fantasy football season.