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NFL Draft results: 49ers trade up, select TE Vance McDonald

The 49ers traded up late in the second round and selected Rice TE Vance McDonald. Delanie Walker's potential replacement arrives.

Bob Levey

The San Francisco 49ers continued maneuvering through the 2013 NFL Draft, trading up from pick No. 61 to pick No. 55. They also gave up a sixth round pick (No. 173 overall) to get the deal done. The 49ers have now traded their first three picks, moving up twice and down once. The 49ers used their third selection to draft Rice tight end Vance McDonald.

The 49ers let Delanie Walker walk in free agency, and signed Cameron Morrah to compete with Garrett Celek. McDonald will come in and get a chance to compete for that No. 2 spot behind Vernon Davis. He is a big boy, standing at 6'4'', 267 pounds, and he is viewed as a solid blocker. Nick put together a scouting report on Vance McDonald, so head back and check it out. Here were his conclusions:

McDonald has a tremendous amount of upside. His weaknesses are nothing that can't be corrected with proper coaching and developmental time. His big body and unique versatility make him a threat from anywhere on the field. He's capable of working the seam, the flats and the middle of the field.

McDonald really impressed at the Senior Bowl back in January. He used an outstanding week of practice against NFL talent to move himself into the early to middle rounds. I'd look for McDonald to be a late round two or third round pick.

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