KC Chiefs: Six biggest surprises from first preseason game

Blake Bell Is Still The #2 Tight End

Confession, unlike the other five guys on this list, Blake Bell‘s performance on Saturday didn’t surprise me in the slightest, but it may have surprised Chiefs Kingdom.

Throughout OTAs and training camp there has been a steady stream of excitement about rookie tight end Noah Gray. Gray has indeed shown real offensive upside as someone that can run routes and catch passes. While nobody is on Travis Kelce’s level, Gray has shown himself to be a tight end that can fill a similar role to Kelce if given a chance. That doesn’t mean that he’s suddenly going to get all the number two tight end snaps.

Despite Gray’s great camp, it was still Bell who was the first man to take the field with Kelce and the first-string offense when the Chiefs went to two tight end formations. Why? Because blocking matters and Bell is hands down K.C.’s best blocking tight end coming off the bench. In fact, if you go back and watch the touchdown drive on K.C.’s second possession with Chad Henne and most of the first string, Bell had a crucial block when Clyde Edwards-Helaire picked up a third down run to extend the drive.

I’m excited about Gray’s upside, but he’s not on Bell’s level as a blocker. So while I hope Reid does use some passing plays that utilize both Kelce and Gray, fans should be prepared to still see plenty of Bell in more traditional two tight end sets. That may have been a surprise on Saturday for those who dove headfirst onto the Noah Gray bandwagon, but I don’t think it is going to change anytime soon.

Next up, the running back that surprised me the most.