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Three positions where the Kansas City Chiefs need guys to step up

By Lyle Graversen

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 23: J.D. McKissic #21 of the Seattle Seahawks catches the ball just short of the goal line over Charvarius Ward #35 and Anthony Hitchens #53 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 23, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 23: J.D. McKissic #21 of the Seattle Seahawks catches the ball just short of the goal line over Charvarius Ward #35 and Anthony Hitchens #53 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 23, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 27: Tight end Blake Bell #84 of the San Francisco 49ers on the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Carindals defeated the 49ers 47-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 27: Tight end Blake Bell #84 of the San Francisco 49ers on the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Carindals defeated the 49ers 47-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Tight End

The Kansas City Chiefs have the best tight end in the NFL in Travis Kelce. Behind Kelce they have….(crickets chirping). Basically, the Chiefs have a bunch of guys that you would typically see fighting for the third and final tight end spot on a roster. There’s not a single player that inspires confidence as an offensive contributor—and certainly not anyone who could spell Kelce, should he have to miss any time (knocks on wood).

That’s not to say that one of the seven other tight ends on the roster can’t step up and claim that clear number two spot during training camp and the preseason. The biggest “name” the Chiefs have after Kelce is Blake Bell who they signed this offseason. Bell is entering his fifth season in the NFL and is already on his third team after being a fourth round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers.

While Bell is at least a recognizable name for some fans (especially Oklahoma Sooner fans), he has 24 less receptions over his first four seasons than the recently departed Demetrius Harris did over that same time span and K.C. fans weren’t happy with his production. Maybe Bell will find more success in the Chiefs high-powered offense, but he certainly isn’t someone that you feel is a lock to claim the job.

There are a few other interesting candidates that I will be keeping an eye on in camp as well. I am intrigued by Deon Yelder who ended his rookie season with K.C. last year and may have the physical tools to develop into a complete tight end that could help in both the run and passing game.

Then there are two undrafted rookies who are both switching positions who I’ll be watching as well, although they are probably unlikely to contribute this season. Jody Fortson was a wide receiver in college but the Chiefs are listing the 6-foot-4 and 226 pound Fortson as a tight end. Fortson wasn’t even a productive college receiver, but the Chiefs must see something there that they like.

The real interesting name to watch is former Princeton quarterback John Lovett. Lovett is a good all around athlete and if he can show enough upside the Chiefs may try to sneak him onto the practice squad this season.

The rest of the competition doesn’t garner much excitement. David Wells, Neal Sterling, and Nick Keizer are all guys that have a legit shot to earn a roster spot given K.C.’s lack of depth at the position but I just don’t see much there with any of them to get excited about but maybe one of them will prove me wrong. If you made me predict what tight ends make the roster along with Kelce today I’d probably pick Bell and Yelder.

While Andy Reid hasn’t typically had second tight ends that put up big numbers, the Chiefs still need a reliable player to step up for their two tight end sets and to give them a little insurance in case Kelce misses any time. Let’s hope one of these guys is up for the job. Otherwise the Chiefs may have to scour the waver wire for a more reliable veteran when roster cut downs happen.

Next up, a spot where the Chiefs may have been the worst at last season.

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