San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft Outlook Post Free Agency

TIGHT END

Sep 6, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Clive Walford (46) is unable to make a catch as Florida A&M Rattlers linebacker William Smalls (57) defends during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The last position of need for the 49ers is tight end.

Vernon Davis has been the man since 2006, when he was selected in the first round. One of the most athletic tight ends in history, he almost doesn’t qualify as tight end. For almost a decade, he has had down field play ability and has been a consistent blocker — when healthy.

Health is a concern for the 49ers’ tight ends.

In 2014, the 49ers could not fight the injury bug as Davis, Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, and Derek Carrier all fought injury for a good portion of the season. Injuries had the 49ers digging to the bottom of the barrel for any sort of life from a tight end.

There was no life from the tight end.

McDonald and Celek’s back injuries are concerning for the long-term. Davis is aging and his production slowed down immensely in 2014. Carrier is an interesting option, but not built to be the lead tight end, which leaves a gaping hole for the 49ers.

Most tight ends have been grabbed out of the free agent market, but Jermaine Gresham‘s back is holding him back from signing anywhere. He would be a viable option, but needs to get healthy first.

Bringing Tony Sparano in to help the tight ends is certainly a plus, but heath is holding the players back from producing.

In the upcoming NFL Draft, the 49ers need to find a tight end who can stay heathy, become a main target, and seal off the blocks. One player fits that description and also displays a great work ethic is Clive Walford.

2014 was unfortunate for Walford’s health, but has shown longevity and skill with his time at the University of Miami, Florida.

At 6’4″ 260 lbs., Walford displays a solid frame for a tight end and is not undersized. He possesses good run-blocking skills and doesn’t get pushed around. Walford has great hands and is a red-zone threat. In the NFL, he could develop into a Greg Olsen-type tight end (a fellow Miami Hurricane).

Displaying a strong outing at the Senior Bowl, it certainly boosted his draft stock and has made himself competing to become the best tight end in this class.

Maxx Williams from Minnesota is generating a lot of buzz, but lacks blocking skills. Michigan’s Devin Funchess is a Davis-type tight end as they are both hybrids and qualify as a tight end/wide receiver.

49ers need a natural tight end and a red-zone threat for Kaepernick, and Walford showed that potential in college.

With an excellent work ethic, that can be intriguing for the 49ers and a player to snag between the second and fourth round.

Next: Outlook and Recap