First impressions from KC Chiefs training camp

Tight Ends

There might not be a more hyped player early in Chiefs training camp than fifth round pick Noah Gray. Gray has already shown real promise as a pass catcher, and with Travis Kelce resting a sore back, the reserve tight ends have been getting a lot more action with the first string. With the team not going full pads just yet (although that didn’t stop the offensive and defensive lines from mixing it up inside), it’s too early to get a good read on his blocking progress yet. All the tight ends were mostly just running routes on Saturday.

Gray was good as advertised. He looked comfortable running routes. He moved well in the open field and he did a nice job of catching the ball with his hands and not letting it get into his body. I’ll repeat what I said in an earlier post, he may have the most offensive upside of any tight end the Chiefs have had since Travis Kelce established himself as their starter.

While Saturday only reinforced my excitement for that pas- catching upside, my concerns about his role remain. Just like when I watched his college tape, I thought Gray looked almost more like a large slot receiver than a true tight end. So what happens when Reid needs the second tight end to be primarily a blocker on some plays? More on that in a second.

The other really impressive tight end on Saturday was Jody Fortson, who just looks like a crazy mismatch weapon. Even with his athletic 6’6″ frame, he moves really well and made several nice catches. I would go so far as to say that the trio of Kelce, Gray, and Fortson might be the most athletic trio of pass catching tight ends on any roster in the NFL. I think all three of them could be successful in the NFL if given a chance. My worry is that the Chiefs just won’t have enough targets to go around for all three.

You might be thinking that given the offensive upside of these three that Blake Bell may even have trouble making the roster. I would strongly dispute that. Playing tight end isn’t just about running routes and catching passes. Blocking matters and when the Chiefs want another tight end on the field in running situations to help block, Bell is hands down that guy. I feel confident saying his spot on the roster is secure. The question is will they keep both Gray and Fortson as back up pass catching tight ends too. I can’t wait to watch them more in the preseason.

Finally, let’s talk about the cornerback position.