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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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COSTA MESA, CA – JUNE 16: Jared Cook #87 of the Los Angeles Chargers during mandatory minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center on June 16, 2021 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
COSTA MESA, CA – JUNE 16: Jared Cook #87 of the Los Angeles Chargers during mandatory minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center on June 16, 2021 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

4. Jared Cook, Los Angeles Chargers

Projected Tight End #2: Tre’ McKitty

Jared Cook has had an interesting NFL career. He has played for five teams and made 2 pro bowls in his 12 years as an NFL tight end. While Cook was once revered as one of the best in the business, he has slowed considerably. Whether due to nagging injury or aging, Cook has not looked like that pro bowl caliber player that he once was.

In New Orleans, Cook had two solid seasons catching passes from Drew Brees. In those years he racked up 80 receptions, 1209 yards, and 16 touchdowns. With tremendous size, he is an excellent red-zone target that Justin Herbert will love to find in the end zone. That being said, Cook is not a spring chicken. Entering his 13th season, Cook turned 34 in April. Very few tight ends have been able to carry on at a dominant pace into their mid-to-late thirties. Cook has, however, found himself in a great situation in Los Angeles.

The Chargers have high hopes for their 97 overall pick, Tre’ McKitty. McKitty entered the draft last season after catching just 6 catches for 108 yards and one touchdown for the Georgia Bulldogs. Despite not-so-great production, the Chargers love his upside. He is athletic and looks smooth in and out of routes but more importantly, he looks capable of pass blocking. This would make him an excellent player to have on the field on third down if the team can get any kind of production from him in the middle of the field.

Jared Cook last season: 37 receptions on 60 targets, 504 yards, 7 touchdowns.

Jared Cook 2021-2022 projection: 40 receptions on 66 targets, 533 yards, 4 touchdowns.

Tre’ McKitty 2021-2022 projection: 15 receptions on 20 targets, 211 yards, 1 touchdown.

Don’t miss our other preseason AFC West positional rankings:

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