Kansas City Chiefs: Top ten players that could break out in 2017

7. Gavin Escobar, TE

This one could end up being wishful thinking on my part, but I really think that Gavin Escobar could have his best year as a pro in his first season with the Chiefs. Granted, that wouldn’t take much given that his career high for receptions is nine. Yes, nine. Could it be that Escobar doesn’t even make the team? Yes, that’s possible, but I just have to believe that Escobar’s natural abilities as a pass catcher at 6’6″ and 260 have to make him the favorite to beat out Demetrius Harris and Ross Travis for the second tight end spot.

Andy Reid and the Chiefs like running two tight end formations. Harris (who I have never been impressed with) was the No. 2 last season and managed 17 receptions and a touchdown. I believe that Escobar is a superior player to Harris. While he’s not a good blocker (neither is Harris), I believe he’s much more likely to earn Alex Smith’s trust as a dump off target than anyone else that the Chiefs have had as a tight end not named Travis Kelce since Reid and Smith came to K.C.

Escobar should be motivated as this could be his last chance to prove that he belongs on an NFL roster. I would LOVE it if he claimed the number two tight end spot early in training camp and proved himself to be a regular contributor on offense this season.