KC Chiefs roster: Jody Fortson’s growth will force some tough decisions

Just when you thought the battle at wide receiver for the K.C. Chiefs was going to be a tough one, Jody Fortson wants to make it even tougher. That’s because he wants to take away one of those spots so they can carry another tight end.

We’re making some assumptions here, but the idea that the Chiefs could go with four tight ends isn’t a silly one. Travis Kelce rules the position, obviously, and the team’s investment and early buzz on rookie Noah Gray cements him in place as well. Blake Bell is the best blocker on the roster, without question, at the position, which makes him a solid bet to make the 53-man roster.

In a typical year, Fortson would be on the outside looking in. This year, it doesn’t look to be that way. The Chiefs have options at wideout that they obviously like enough to have around in camp and the preseason for the sake of competition, but the competition isn’t so obvious that the Chiefs have to keep so many WRs that they shut out the possibility of keeping Fortson.

Here’s the thing: the pass-catching ability of both Gray and Fortson would play into the Chiefs roster plans like wide receivers even as they’re also bigger and capable of playing tight end. And for his part, Fortson has also put in the work and has shown up strong this offseason.

Jody Fortson has done all he can to make the K.C. Chiefs roster.

Coming into this offseason, Fortson said he had a heart-to-heart conversation with Dave Toub, the team’s special teams coach, that set the course for his offseason preparation. It centered on the need to get bigger and better at special teams, primarily as a blocker which often meant going against (much) bigger defenders.

“Me and Coach Toub had a discussion in early OTAs about what I needed to do, what kind of mindset I needed to have. I meditated on that all offseason, as far as what I needed to do, as far as holding guys up, putting hands on people and being bigger. I took the advice he gave me and I’ve continued to build upon it.”

When asked by reporters how tall of an order that was, Fortson didn’t mince words. He’s focused on making his NFL dreams come true and would go to any lengths, he told reporters, to make that happen.

“I love football. I love the game. So if I had to bulk up to play left tackle, I’d do it because it brings me joy. So I just attack it like I attack everything else: with a mindset to get it done. Whether that be eat a couple more sandwiches or another protein shake or add a little junk food here and there just to keep my weight up. Whatever it takes.”

The Chiefs first took a chance on Fortson (and vice versa) as an undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State shortly after the 2019 NFL Draft. From there, Fortson has been on the practice squad for each of the past two seasons as a developmental prospect, so it makes sense that he’s really starting to blossom. Fortson says he’s grateful for the chance to grow on the roster.

“I’m a big believer in God and I continue to pray on it. It’s easy to quit on anything, regardless of what it is, whether it’s school or whatever topic you want to put that in. It’s easy to quit. It’s not easy to fight on when you don’t know what’s going to happen.

“I’m just grateful that this team hasn’t given up on me. They’ve allowed me to stay around and develop and trust me enough to be in front of this podium.”

The Chiefs have to make these tough decisions by next Tuesday, August 31, when 53-man rosters are due by the NFL’s deadline. The regular season begins on September 12 for the Chiefs.