As training camp begins for the San Francisco 49ers, there are a number of interesting camp battles to watch.
One will be tight end, and the returning Niner Ross Dwelley may face an uphill climb to make the 53-man roster.
Dwelley spent the first six years of his career with the Niners. He never got very many targets as a backup tight end behind George Kittle, but the former still racked up five touchdowns across those six seasons.
After a brief sojourn with the Atlanta Falcons last season, the Sonora, California, native returned home this offseason by signing with San Francisco.
It seemed like he could just be a nice heartwarming offseason reunion after the team had to say goodbye to a lot of familiar faces, but there is a case to be made that Dwelley could earn a spot on the roster.
He has familiarity with the offense and understands the intricacies of head coach Kyle Shanahan's scheme. He also has a ton of chemistry with George Kittle which, given Kittle's status on the team, definitely counts for something.
Yet, there are still a number of other players Dwelley will have to compete with for a spot on the depth chart. San Francisco brought in Luke Farrell in the offseason who acknowledged there has been a bit of a learning curve adjusting to a new style of offense.
Mason Pline is another player who will challenge Dwelley for a spot with his freakish size, which could give him an advantage over other options.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area recently released his first 53-man roster projection and the four tight ends he thinks with make the team are Kittle, Farrell, Pline, and Brayden Willis.
It is still early in training camp, and there is time for Dwelley to beat out someone like Pline or Willis for that No. 3 spot. There is always the chance that an injury could open the door for Dwelley as well.
The competition for third-string tight end may not be the sexiest camp battle to think about. It certainly lacks the intrigue and drama of the kicker competition. Yet, it will be interesting to see whether Dwelley can snag a spot on the team after being a familiar face on the roster for all those years.
