The player who figures to benefit most from Vance McDonald’s trade is veteran Garrett Celek, a sixth-year player who originally signed with the 49ers in 2012 as an undrafted rookie from Michigan State.

Celek has 56 catches for 678 yards and six touchdowns in 55 games. McDonald recorded 64 receptions for 866 yards and seven touchdowns in 48 games with 30 starts.

The 49ers could look to retain undrafted rookie tight end Cole Hikutini on the practice squad, if the team waives him and he goes unclaimed by the other 31 teams. Blake Bell, who enters his third season after being a fourth-round pick in 2015, faces a stiff challenge to make the team.

Related players: Logan Paulsen, George Kittle

We think Kittle could benefit the most from a fantasy standpoint, but maybe in the short term Celek is more productive. We think Kittle is a great athlete, although currently a little light for the position.

49ers trading TE Vance McDonald and a fifth-round pick to the Steelers for a fourth-round pick, per sources. Steelers upgrade TE.

Related players: Jesse James, George Kittle

The addition of McDonald muddles the tight end situation in Pittsburgh. Jesse James is expected to start, but it's likely that the more athletic McDonald eats into his workload. McDonald certainly has more long-term upside as a fantasy producer, but owners shouldn't expect big (TE2) numbers right away as he will need to settle in, learn the offense and build a rapport with Ben Roethlisberger. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, the trade should open up starter-type snaps for rookie George Kittle, who is a freak of an athlete at the position, even if he's a bit light (20 lbs lighter than McDonald) for a tight end. Kittle can be taken in the final rounds as an upside TE2.

Offensively, 49ers TE George Kittle could very well be an impact player as a rookie. You keep hearing his name for a reason. The tight end’s play during minicamp earned himself some publicity. John Lynch continued to build the excitement around Kittle during a phone interview with KNBR.

“He’s really flashed,” Lynch said. “He’s got some suddenness to him in his movements. He catches the ball extremely well. George gives us something we don’t have as a playmaker down in the red zone. He is that guy who can win 1-on-1. He can impose his will and out-athlete people. He’s exceeded our expectations.”

It sounds as if the rookie might have a chance to start over incumbent Vance McDonald. Rookie tight ends rarely make much of a fantasy impact, but the 5th round pick compares athletically to O.J. Howard.