TE Rory Anderson to 49ers: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The San Francisco 49ers' final pick in the 2015 NFL draft brought in the team's second tight end prospect: South Carolina's Rory Anderson.

Taken in Round 7, the 6'5", 244-pound Robinson joins fellow tight end prospect Blake Bell as one of two tight ends selected by the 49ers in this year's draft.

San Francisco's need for a tight end stems from two major concerns.

No. 1 tight end Vernon Davis is coming off the poorest season of his pro career since breaking into the NFL back in 2006. He had just 26 receptions for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Davis' future is also in jeopardy considering the 31-year-old veteran is entering a contract year.

Davis' backup tight end Vance McDonald has also not inspired much confidence aside from being a worthwhile blocker.

While other tight ends on the 49ers' roster may offer some competition—Bell, Derek Carrier, Garrett Celek and Asante Cleveland—San Francisco will at least hope that it can develop some worthy attributes that can provide bona fide depth at a position that hasn't had much since the free-agent departure of tight end Delanie Walker in 2013.

Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area describes this further by writing, "The 49ers will have a lot of competition at tight end after the team spent a fourth-round pick on Blake Bell of Oklahoma."

Anderson does have some injury concerns per Rob Rang of CBS Sports, but the majority of these were minor in nature aside from the biceps tear that required surgery in 2014. 

On the positive side, Rang notes that Anderson's hands are very soft and the South Carolina prospect is capable of both blocking at the line of scrimmage and making the difficult catches.

Rang writes:

"

Good initial burst and agility to gain separation off the line of scrimmage and shows good hands. Impressive body control and hand-eye coordination to make leaping grabs. Unlike many other "hybrid" tight end/receivers across the country, Anderson seems to enjoy the physical battles at the line of scrimmage, showing surprising strength and tenacity while blocking. He is quick and competitive when sealing the edge and works to sustain his blocks.

"

2012 was Anderson's best year at South Carolina. He totaled just 271 receiving yards that season, but averaged 19.4 yards per reception and posted five touchdowns that year.

Year	Receptions	Yards	Average	TDs
2011	8	188	23.5	3
2012	14	271	19.4	5
2013	17	235	13.8	0
2014	22	260	11.8	1
Total	61	954	15.6	9

At best, Anderson provides a big-bodied red-zone threat. This is an aspect in which the 49ers could use some help. While Anderson might not emerge as a first-year player on the active roster, the 49ers will at least be able to count upon some additional long-term depth if they can find a way to both develop and retain him.

Anderson's best shot to make the active roster will likely be as a worthwhile backup. San Francisco might be needing this after 2015 depending on its current crop of tight ends.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Supplemental draft information courtesy of CBS Sports.

Peter Panacy is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers news, insight and analysis.

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