San Francisco 49ers: Who Is The Answer At Tight End?

Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers fans cheer for their team prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

While much of the San Francisco 49ers‘ offseason has been riddled with questions about the wide receiver position, the Niners’ offense has a glaring hole at another pass catching position.

The tight end spot, a former strength of the 49ers, has diminished over the past couple of years and needs improvement. Going into training camp, the 49ers currently roster eight tight ends. The team drafted two tight ends in the late rounds of the 2015 draft, a testament to their need for performers at the position.

While all eight men won’t make the final roster, the question then becomes, who are the best players for the job?

The tight end position is crucial for the 49ers not only because of the team’s lack of wide receiver depth, but also because of the mobility of their quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

The team added multiple receivers in free agency and the draft, headlined by names like Torrey Smith and Jerome Simpson, and rookies, Dres Anderson and Deandre Smelter. These players coupled with incumbents Anquan Boldin and Quinton Patton form an underwhelming receiving core. Having a strong tight end core could help take some of the responsibilities from the wide receivers.

Kaepernick’s running ability comes into play while picking out the right tight end. Whoever the starting and backup tight ends may be, need to have a strong blocking ability to help Kaepernick run to the outside. While Kaepernick is on the run he also needs a big reliable pass catcher who can move the chains.

Tight end is usually not a position of concern for most teams, but for the 49ers, finding the right combination will be crucial to the team’s passing success in 2015.

Next: Vernon Davis