49ers: Starting lineup predictions as training camp starts

San Francisco 49ers: Starting lineup predictions as training camp starts

SANTA CLARA, CA - JULY 30: Mike Person #78, Kenny Wiggins #65 and Anthony Davis #76 of the San Francisco 49ers participate in drills during practice at the San Francisco 49ers training facility on July 30, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – OCTOBER 15: George Kittle #46 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs with a reception 22 yards for a first down against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first half of the game at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 15, 2016 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Iowa defeated Purdue 49-35. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Tight End

George Kittle

Out with the old, in with the new.

This is a bit more of a bold prediction, but the 49ers likely start a rookie at tight end. Round 5 draftee George Kittle certainly is one of the Niners’ more promising pickups from the NFL Draft, and he has the potential to start right away as a legitimate pass-catching threat.

Such placement would move Vance McDonald out of the No. 1 spot. But with the 49ers having attempted to trade McDonald prior to the draft, it’s not such a bold prediction after all.

Kittle’s roster spot is all but guaranteed. As for the rest, well, only free-agent pickup Logan Paulsen seems relatively safe.

Paulsen is more of a blocking-type tight end, and his primary competition is with Garrett Celek — a similarly skilled player.

That leaves UDFA Cole Hikutini and Blake Bell as the remaining competitive pieces here, although it’s likely the 49ers would rather invest in Hikutini over the disappointing Bell.