Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Needs: Is tight end a real concern?

PROVO, UT - SEPTEMBER 16: Troy Fumagalli #81 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs into the end zone untouched for a second half touchdown as the Badgers beat the Brigham Young Cougars 40-6 at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
PROVO, UT - SEPTEMBER 16: Troy Fumagalli #81 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs into the end zone untouched for a second half touchdown as the Badgers beat the Brigham Young Cougars 40-6 at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Vance McDonald
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Vance McDonald /

Vance McDonald

The 49ers’ heir apparent to Vernon Davis never really panned out that way. The Steelers traded for him before the 2017 season. McDonald is very athletic, and a big play threat. In fact, his predraft

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workout numbers are very similar to those of superstar Rob Gronkowski. Gronk’s 40-time was

only one one-hundredth of a second faster than McDonald’s, and their broad jumps were identical. McDonald was actually better than Gronk in the bench press, and three cone.

This show’s that McDonald has the athletic ability of one of the best receiving tight ends in the league. I’m not saying McDonald is Gronkowski, or that he is anywhere close, but given a healthy season, he could impress.

In San Francisco, most of his career was spent with Vernon Davis, a potential hall of famer. He has also been dragged down by injuries, including last year when he missed six games with various small injuries. If he can play a full season at one hundred percent he just might surprise people. I don’t think Vance McDonald will ever be a pro bowl tight end, but he can be a valuable weapon.