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Six tight end prospects from the 2020 NFL Draft for Kansas City Chiefs

By Jordan Mannix

SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 23: Cole Kmet #84 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs after catching a pass against Marcus Valdez #97 of the Boston College Eagles in the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 23: Cole Kmet #84 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs after catching a pass against Marcus Valdez #97 of the Boston College Eagles in the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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NFL Draft, Kansas City Chiefs
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

The Kansas City Chiefs have a need at tight end behind Travis Kelce. Here are six prospects from the 2020 NFL Draft class who could fill it.

The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the best players and brightest personalities in the NFL as their starting tight end in Travis Kelce. This is not a piece dedicated to finding Kelce’s immediate replacement, nor is it a piece dedicated to pushing the idea that Andy Reid should run more 12 personnel. This team just won the Super Bowl with Travis Kelce as one of the focal points of their offense and used even less 12 personnel this season than the year before.

The other factor to consider is that Blake Bell’s replacement at backup may already be on the team. Deon Yelder has been with the team for two seasons and is under contract for 2020. He’s shown some flashes at times, but there’s enough inconsistency for me to question whether Andy Reid feels comfortable trusting him in pressure situations.

Jody Fortson turned into a fan favorite last preseason. The small school product showed some unique athletic ability and size at the position in a handful of preseason contests, and ended up earning himself a spot on the Chiefs practice squad as a result. I’d argue he has the most upside of any of the alternatives on the roster, but small school products are often physically and mentally behind the curve. Without seeing how he would react in game situations that matter, he’s in a similar boat to Yelder.

Then there’s John Lovett and Nick Keizer. While each of these players has their positives, especially Lovett, you’re again looking at completely unproven commodities. The tight end position is heavily relied upon in Reid’s system, and while Kelce is the best in the game, you still need a reliable number two if something were to happen.

Kelce turned the ripe old age, at least in football years, of 30 in 2019. If the Chiefs coaches and front office believe he’s got five years or more, there’s really no need to draft a tight end this offseason. However, if the coaches want an insurance policy if Kelce were to go down with an injury or if his career longevity wasn’t as long as expected, here are a few of the potential prospects the Chiefs could target.

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