Niner Noise
FanSided

Redrafting the San Francisco 49ers’ horrible 2013 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2: Pick No. 61: Tight End Travis Kelce, Cincinnati

Original Pick: Tight End Vance McDonald (No. 55 Overall)

Here’s a thought that should make you cringe — the 49ers traded up to land former Rice tight end Vance McDonald, up from No. 61 at the tail end of Round 2.

Yes, the Niners had a need for a tight end that year. Delanie Walker had left via free agency, and San Francisco had to be thinking about a long-term replacement for the veteran, Vernon Davis. McDonald appeared to be that guy.

But with hindsight being what it is, the better option would have been for Trent Baalke to stay put, hold onto those extra picks and select former Cincinnati TE Travis Kelce.

McDonald has been known for injuries, inconsistency and poor hands ever since his drafting. Meanwhile, Kelce has been one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL over the last two seasons.

In 2015, Kelce made his first Pro Bowl. He backed it up last year with 1,125 receiving yards en route to another Pro Bowl, as well as a first-team All-Pro selection.

McDonald hasn’t come anywhere close.

Ouch.