Originally posted by dtg_9er:
The difference between Bell and McDonald seems pretty obvious to me...McD isn't a natural athlete or route runner, whereas Bell has a knack for finding open area. As for being cut...either might be if they fall down the depth chart. Hamm was decent last year in his few moments, Celek has out performed the others when healthy, Paulsen was signed for a reason, Kittle drafted for a reason... ..may the best men win!
McDonald is a much better route runner than Bell. One guy was a college wide receiver, the other played quarterback most of his time in college and transitioned to tight end at the end and it shows. Bell's biggest issue is that he is still a liability as a blocker which limits his usage in most any offense. Kittle right off the bat is going to get snaps over him simply on the basis of being a quality blocker.
Paulsen is pretty much purely a blocking TE and should be the #3.