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AFC West positional rankings: Travis Kelce leads pack at tight end

By Grant Tuttle

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs avoids a tackle by cornerback Damon Arnette #20 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 35-31. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs avoids a tackle by cornerback Damon Arnette #20 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 35-31. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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In this latest edition of our AFC West positional rankings, it’s time to take a look at the tight end position. It is possible that two of the top 5 tight ends in the NFL play in the AFC West.

In addition to the All-Pro players who have been in the division, there are also some newcomers and some that have left their respective teams. Hunter Henry, who has been a force with the Los Angeles Chargers has found a new home with the New England Patriots. Noah Fant, Darren Waller, and Travis Kelce remain the top tight ends in the West.

No tight end is better than Travis Kelce at this point. The perennial All-Pro racked up the second-most receiving yards last season behind only Stefon Diggs. With excellent acceleration, Kelce is able to separate and create mismatches anywhere on the field.

Without gushing too much more about Kelce, here are our tight end rankings for 2021-2022.

1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

Projected Tight End #2: Noah Gray

The Chiefs are in very good shape at the tight end position. Kelce is at the top of the NFL at his position and it is becoming harder to argue that anyone is all that close to him in overall ability. He is truly in a league of his own amongst tight ends and even his peers know it.

This offseason, Kelce spearheaded a tight end camp to teach everyone how it is done; Showcasing his dedication to his footwork and technique. With an excellent balance of quickness and speed, he is unrivaled in his ability to create mismatches with linebackers, safeties, and cornerbacks. This has also made him Patrick Mahomes’s favorite target.

Additionally, the Chiefs have given Kelce a new mentee. Noah Gray out of Duke is looking to learn from the best in his first season. Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach compared Gray to Kelce when speaking to the media after trading up in the 5th round to take the Duke senior. There is already a lot of buzz about the flashes they are seeing from him and defenses may soon have two very talented tight ends to defend against.

Overall, Kelce and Gray are unquestionably at the top of the AFC West.

Travis Kelce last season: 105 receptions on 145 targets, 1416 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns.

Travis Kelce 2021-2022 projection: 109 receptions on 155 targets, 1411 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns.

Noah Gray 2021-2022 projection: 26 receptions on 37 targets, 312 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns.

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