49ers beat writer Paul Gutierrez: Coming off a 13-TD catch season in 2013, Vernon Davis was a forgotten man in the Niners' offense last year. He was not targeted in the red zone once after kickoff weekend. So why should we keep an eye on the 10th-year tight end this season? Because he is in a contract year, he was re-dedicated to the team this offseason – he did not “hold out” from OTAs and minicamps this summer as he did last year – and the Niners not only promised he would be a bigger part of the offense this year but, well, they need him. It has the makings of a perfect fantasy storm for the Niners ... in good way.
Davis is a talent, but the team didn't do a good job of using him last season. His 50 targets were his fewest since 2008, and his usage was way too low considering he has finished in the top 8 at his position in four of the last six seasons. He was targeted just once in the red zone after seeing 20 red zone targets in 2013. It's up to new OC Geep Chryst (formerly the team's QB coach) to get Davis more involved in the offense. Davis has reportedly looked fast in offseason activities. Given his 15th-round ADP, he's a very cheap lottery ticket at the tight end position.
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