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49ers position battles: Tight ends
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Will Vernon Davis finally break out this year?
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
In any passing game, the quarterback's best friend is the tight end. Tight ends are there for the quick dump off down the middle. They also can block pass rushers. Also, they are much stronger than your typical receiver, which makes them harder to tackle.
And with this new Jimmy Raye offense, we might just see the emergence of a successful tight end passing game.
Currently on roster:
- Vernon Davis (entering 4th year)
- Delanie Walker (entering 4th year)
- Joe Jon Finley (entering 1st year)
- Bear Pascoe (entering 1st year)
When it comes to 49ers tight ends, Vernon Davis has already been tagged as a bust. In his first three seasons in the league, Davis has averaged 34 catches and only three touchdowns per season.
Last year, Davis was used mainly as a blocker and was not given much attention in the passing game. Granted that Davis has been a tremendous blocker in the past couple seasons, but his best talent is out there in the open field.
In the new offense, Davis will be used as a deep threat instead of staying in the pocket. Of course, with the team using more of a running attack, Davis still will get his fair share of blocking assignments. But no longer will he be stuck blocking on every other play. Davis has the best potential to break out this season.
His body and skill demands it. Let's just hope it happens.
Delanie Walker was used as a kick returner last year and also saw a good portion of catches. Walker helps provide a great change up to the passing game. Last year, the 49ers employed a lot of two tight end sets. Since Davis got a lot of double team action, Walker saw a lot of passes come his way. This season, it may just be the same. However, Walker's speed and versatility still gives the tight end a lot of upside to his potential on the team.
Last year, the 49ers signed Joe Jon Finley to the team but he did not make it to the NFL roster. Finley's chances of making the squad this year is very slim. And with the 49ers drafting tight end Bear Pascoe, it looks like Pascoe could get the majority of the attention in camp.
With the departure of Billy Bajema, the 49ers needed a tight end to focus on blocking. Davis and Walker will not be used in that capacity this year, so Pascoe will be the team's full-time blocker at tight end. He might get the occasional pass thrown at him, but it won't be his main focus on the team.
The tight end position should definitely be watched this summer. Davis' development as a pass receiving tight end will be tested and hopefully he lives up to the hype that surrounded him when he was drafted in 2006.
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