Chiefs 2021 NFL Draft prospects: Adding play-making tight end on offense

Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State

An option for the Chiefs in the later rounds of the draft is Iowa State tight end, Charlie Kolar. Standing at 6’6″, 262 pounds, Kolar doesn’t have the eye-popping athleticism of some of the other tight ends making their name in the NFL. He displays adequate speed and lateral agility, which could limit his overall potential at the next level.

However, his mental processing, excellent hands in traffic, and blue-collar effort as a run blocker make him an option as a second tight end at the next level. Kolar understands where to work against zone coverage and knows where to get to for a first down. On third downs and in the red zone, the junior tight end has been a reliable option consistently with his comfort in traffic, catch radius utilizing his long frame, and strong hands to go up and grab the ball at the high point and secure the ball despite contact.

During Kolar’s three seasons at Iowa State, he has proven he can be a three-level threat. He might not have the long speed to beat man coverage consistently, but given his size, tracking, and body control to win at the catch point, he should find plenty of success in the deeper areas of the field.

As a run blocker, Kolar demonstrates good pop when engaging with defenders with good hand placement. In the NFL, he will have to work with the strength and conditioning coaches to bulk up and improve his play strength to be better in this area. Along with building up strength to handle bigger defenders at the next level, Kolar will have to improve his technique when engaged with blockers as he tends to lose his balance by keeping a narrow base when engaged.

For the Chiefs, Kolar would be a viable option to grab on Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft. Has experience lining up all over the Iowa State offense mixed with his ability to make plays in contested areas is something the Chiefs could use to complement Travis Kelce. While Kelce brings the more athletic and YAC potential to the position, Kolar would add a big weapon that can win in tight spaces like the red zone or third and short.

With plenty of options to win in the open field and create yards after the catch, Kansas City could use another weapon like Kolar when the field shrinks like the red zone. When Watkins has missed time to injuries, Kelce has been the only big-bodied threat for those congested areas. Kolar would complement this system well, and with his experience at Iowa State, he could likely produce quickly as that second tight end in year one.