It seems if the 49ers had their druthers, they’d trot out one quarterback and 10 tight ends. It’s no wonder Jim Harbaugh loves him some tight ends, because they’re unpredictable. They can run block, pass block, run deep, run short, even take a handoff.

Additionally, the 49ers have possibly the most versatile tight end in the game with Vernon Davis. While Davis hasn’t been Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham-good, he did save his best career performance in the classic playoff win over New Orleans. The 49ers also return Delanie Walker, despite a mysterious injury that sidelined him during the team’s last minicamp.

Walker did go down with a knee injury during an earlier off-season practice, but he said he was fine. Harbaugh also said Walker should be ready by the start of training camp at the end of July.

Competition should be acute for the third tight-end spot. Nate Byham, a sixth-round pick from 2010, could be in a pitched duel with former Stanford player Konrad Reuland. He’s collected a few nicknames, including “Novacek” and “The Garbage Man.” Novacek because Reuland, has the angular frame and supple hands of the former Cowboy great. “Garbage Man” because Reuland catches every garbage throw slung his way – wobblers, floaters, low, high, overheated fastballs from Colin Kaepernick, Reuland catches them all. He can also rap in German.

Meanwhile, Byham is coming off a season lost to a knee injury and he wears a brace the size of a dormitory fridge on his leg. Byham is seen as more of a blocker than a receiver.

BEST PLAYER: This is a ridiculous category for this position because Vernon Davis is playing in the Majors while the rest of the tight ends are still in single A. Davis probably led the seven weeks of offseason practices in receptions, something he could easily carry over into the season. Davis caught some many passes, particularly from Alex Smith, it became like a reflex for Smith to flip a throw his way. Davis also continued to catch scores of extra passes after practice and has willed himself into being a natural receiver.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: Rueland. Did I mention he can rap in German? He was on the practice squad last year and followed Davis’ lead as a field and weight room rat. Strangely, his ability to win a job might depend on 278-pound defensive end Demarcus Dobbs. Dobbs, last year’s preseason sensation, is also working as a tight end and if he can be a blocking sensation at the position, the need for Byham’s blocking is reduced.

THE OTHERS: Garrett Celek, a rookie from Michigan State, catches the ball so softly, you hardly ever hear the ball hit his hands. He also seems to know his way around a pass route. His chances of making the team are in the 20 to 1 category, but he could definitely make another roster depending on how he performs in preseason.