San Francisco 49ers: Who Is The Answer At Tight End?
By Dan Fappiano
Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Davis, for most of his career, has been a solid tight end for the 49ers. After San Francisco selected Davis with the sixth overall pick in 2006, he was able to muster a career 5, 446 yards and 55 touchdowns. From 2009-2013 Davis was a superb tight end, managing at least 500 yards and five touchdowns per season. In 2009 and and 2013 Davis was able to catch for 965 and 850 yards and thirteen touchdowns respectively.
In 2014 though, Davis’ production fell off, and he posted his worst results since his rookie season. He was only able to accumulate 245 yards and two TDs — the lowest of his career. Davis also ranked as the second worst tight end in blocking percentage in 2014, ranking 49th out of 50 qualifiers according to Pro Football Focus.
Davis was nowhere near his Pro Bowl self in 2014. Success in 2015 is pivotal not only for Davis but for the 49ers as well. He is in the final year of his 5 year/$37 million contract and needs to prove he is still a valuable asset to the team. For the Niners, Davis is one of the better pass catching tight ends on the team and they need him to get back to his old self.
Davis holds the most name value amongst 49ers tight ends. His spot on the roster is pretty much secure, yet he will still need to perform for the 49ers in 2015 if he hopes to stick around.
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