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2019 NFL Draft: Seven tight end targets for the Kansas City Chiefs

By Lyle Graversen

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 19: Josh Oliver #89 of the San Jose State Spartans makes a reception for a touchdown during the AutoNation Cure Bowl against the Georgia State Panthers at Florida Citrus Bowl on December 19, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 19: Josh Oliver #89 of the San Jose State Spartans makes a reception for a touchdown during the AutoNation Cure Bowl against the Georgia State Panthers at Florida Citrus Bowl on December 19, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 17: Dawson Knox #9 of the Ole Miss Rebels makes a catch while being defended by Allan George #28 of the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 17: Dawson Knox #9 of the Ole Miss Rebels makes a catch while being defended by Allan George #28 of the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Dawson Knox – Mississippi

If NFL teams were to judge a draft prospect by only their college production then Mississippi’s Dawson Knox would go undrafted. His final year at Ole Miss he totaled just 15 receptions for 284 yards and no touchdowns. So why do I think Knox will likely be the fifth tight end taken in the draft? In a word: talent.

The easiest comparison for Knox is former Iowa and current San Francisco tight end George Kittle. Kittle only had 22 receptions his senior year for 314 yards. Despite having good all around skills, the lack of production let Kittle slide to the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Last year, in only his second NFL season, Kittle put up more yards than even K.C.’s own Travis Kelce (and any tight end in NFL history) with an eye popping stat line of 88 receptions for 1,377 yards. Kittle’s success will likely have teams not wanting to let another great talent slide due to a lack of production in college.

Knox is a solid 6-foot-4 and 254 pounds with great athleticism. At his pro day he reportedly ran a 4.51 forty yard dash and a 6.98 three cone drill. Those are numbers similar to those of Iowa’s Noah Fant who is seen by many to be the most athletic weapon at tight end in this draft class. However, Knox’s game tape is also full of quality blocking snaps as well. PFF gave him a 71.6 run blocking grade compared to Fant’s 65.9.

Had Knox been a part of an offense that really utilized the tight end its possible he would be viewed right up there with the Iowa tight ends at the top of this draft class. If a team likes what they see in Knox’s traits and believe they will translate to NFL production don’t be surprised to see his name called a lot earlier in the draft than many are anticipating. I personally would be fine if the Chiefs drafted him with one of their second round picks. That’s how good his skill set is.

Here is a short break down of Knox from NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger (who is a must follow on Twitter).

Next up, an athletic pass catcher from a smaller school.

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