AFC West tight end rankings: Henry, Fant compete with Kelce
By Grant Tuttle
Tight ends are more important to an offense than they once were. The AFC has new blood and old blood at the position, so who is on top? We discuss.
The AFC West has some of the best weapons in the game. This is true not only with the division’s wide receivers but with its tight ends as well.
The AFC West has historically had excellent luck with the position with in its history. The Chiefs had Tony Gonzalez. The Broncos had Shannon Sharpe. The Chargers had Antonio Gates. The Raiders had Todd Christensen. Needless to say, there has been plenty of talent at tight end over the years.
As the season approaches, we are taking a look at each team in the AFC West and how they will perform this season. With players like Travis Kelce, Hunter Henry, and Noah Fant in the same division, it may be a season to remember for the tight ends in the West.
Here is what the rankings look like for the 2019 season:
1. The Kansas City Chiefs
Projected tight ends: Travis Kelce and Blake Bell
Plain and simple: Any team with Travis Kelce on it will have the best tight end group in the league. After the retirement of Rob Gronkowski, the tight end debate has been settled. Kelce is the best at his position in the league. While some may argue on behalf of George Kittle and Zach Ertz, the truth is, no one has more of an impact on their offense from the tight end position than Travis Kelce.
The second tight end on the depth chart is up for grabs. At this point in time, I believe it will be Blake Bell, the former quarterback from Oklahoma. He is a solid blocker and has the ability to come down with the ball in the middle of the field. That being said, it could also be Deon Yelder that gets the spot. Regardless of the way it all shakes out, the Chiefs win this position.
Projections:
Travis Kelce: 94 receptions, 1, 082 receiving yards, 9 Touchdowns
Blake Bell: 20 receptions, 135 receiving yards, 1 Touchdown