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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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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 25: Noah Fant #87 of the Denver Broncos is hit by Daniel Sorensen #49 and Juan Thornhill #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on October 25, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 25: Noah Fant #87 of the Denver Broncos is hit by Daniel Sorensen #49 and Juan Thornhill #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on October 25, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

3. Noah Fant, Denver Broncos

Projected Tight End #2: Albert Okwuegbunam

Another very talented tight end, Noah Fant is vastly underrated due in part to the quarterback play in Denver. Fant is a member of a talented receiving corps that has been utilized incorrectly, or rather by the wrong quarterback. Fant’s ability to move like a wide receiver at 6’4 249 pounds makes him an immediate threat in the middle of the field.

Fant has had a solid start to his NFL career, hauling in 102 receptions and 1,235 yards over the course of two seasons. He is able to lineup anywhere on the field and create issues for opposing defenses. Unfortunately for him, Drew Lock has not had the same great start to his career. Lock is entering his third season and it is likely make-or-break time. If Fant and the rest of the Broncos receivers could find adequate quarterback play, they may have a chance to make a run at the wildcard position in the AFC.

The Broncos have another talented young tight end. Albert Okwuegbunam is looking to have a stellar season behind Fant. Okwuegbunam did not get much run with the first team in 2020. In fact, he only appeared in 4 games. That being said, he was able to bring in 11 receptions in his rookie campaign. The former Missouri Tiger got some early-round buzz before last year’s draft but ultimately slid to the 4th round where the Broncos took him. With great ball skills, hands, and speed, Okwuegbunam is a player to keep an eye on as a breakout candidate.

Noah Fant last season: 62 receptions on 93 targets, 673 yards, 3 touchdowns.

Noah Fant 2021-2022 projection: 79 receptions on 117 targets, 821 yards, 7 touchdowns.

Albert Okwuegbunam last season: 11 receptions on 15 targets, 121 yards, 1 touchdown.

Albert Okwuegbunam 2021-2022 projection: 23 receptions on 36 targets, 279 yards, 3 touchdowns.

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