Vance McDonald opened 49ers camp as No. 3 tight end

Jun 28, 2013; Berea, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers player Eric Reid, right, and Vance McDonald run kids through drills during a NFL Play 60 event during the NFC Rookie Symposium at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports /

As the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers entered camp, 2nd round pick, rookie Vance McDonald opened up camp as the 49ers’ #3 tight end.

McDonald was the 49ers’ most impressive rookie during their pad-less off-season sessions. he was essentially a over sized receiver at Rice, while Garrett Celek is known for his blocking.

McDonald has the skill set to improve as a run-blocker, which could allow him to climb the depth chart quickly. I mean, he won’t pass up Vernon Davis, let’s be real, but he could see some red zone/goal-line action.

Coach Jim Harbaugh compared him to Mike Ditka, and even McDonald, Coach Ditka’s old number. Which is pretty interesting but makes sense as he played for the Chicago Bears from 1987-1993. It could be a long stretch to compare him to Coach Ditka, as the kid could be looking to just make a name for himself.

I’m sure it’s an honor and a privilege to be compared to great players, but sometimes that can shake a player up. But we will see how this rookie plays out, if he turns out to play exactly like Ditka (which will be impossible, league rules have changed since Ditka’s playing days), who knows, he could be a rookie who surprises us this season.

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