Garrett Celek

Initially considered an afterthought, Celek managed to make the most of his opportunities in 2017. The veteran shared starting duties with rookie tight end, George Kittle, finishing with 336 yards and four touchdowns on 21 receptions. Kittle figures to take on a larger role in his sophomore campaign, but Celek's excellent blocking skills, coupled with coach Kyle Shanahan's preference of using two tight end sets means "Celek Time" isn't over yet.

Celek posted career highs in receptions (29) and receiving yards (350) after starter Vance McDonald went down with a shoulder injury in the second half of last season. The 29-year-old will enter the 2017 season in a similar backup role, but given the latter's propensity to land on the injury report, he could wind up starting again for stretches of the schedule. Regardless of role, Celek has more real-world value as a blocking tight end than he does as a fantasy option, especially under new head coach Kyle Shanahan who didn't have a tight end finish in the top-32 in receiving yards at the position.

Celek was one of several tight ends who saw action for the 49ers last season. Primarily used as a run blocker, he flashed a bit of playmaking ability with 9.8 YPC and three touchdowns in 11 games (eight starts). There are opportunities for targets in Chip Kelly's offense, but Vance McDonald and Blake Bell have higher upsides than the 28-year-old Celek.

Celek will have to outshine younger tight ends during training camp to avoid being cut.

Celek's back issue is looking more severe than it did in the preseason and he is in jeopardy of not making it past the roster cuts come week 1.

Celek enters 2013 as the back-up to Vernon Davis and will be used primarily as a blocking tight end which limits his value in fantasy. He is capable of coming down with a few catches but not enough to warrant a spot on your roster. He'll also spend his time trying to stave off rookie Vance McDonald who is ultimately expected to supplant him due to more refined skills as a pass-catcher.