Tight end options for KC Chiefs in 2022 NFL Draft

We continue our series on fits for each round with tight ends. Could the Kansas City Chiefs look at a new developmental tight end, or draft one earlier than anticipated?

Travis Kelce is not only making the case that he belongs in discussions as the best tight end to play the game, he is also pushing for best pass-catcher. With season after season of great production, the Kansas City Chiefs star may find himself near the top in receiving yards and touchdowns by the end of his career.

With that in mind, Kelce is no “spring chicken.” Kelce is 32 and will be 33 in October. While Kelce has been one of the best at his position, it is logical to start to wonder whether he may take a step back or need some extra time on the sideline.

So, where could they turn in the draft? We have our list of guys that fit in each round.

Likelihood of drafting: Extremely Low

Kansas City is not likely to take an early-round tight end. In fact, there may not be a tight end drafted in the first round this year. If there is one, Trey McBride is at the top of the class. McBride is the safest pick at the position. As a very good blocker, McBride’s strength shows up on tape when he is making contested catches and releasing off the line.

With a nice catch radius, the Chiefs would likely use McBride as a red-zone target. While he does not have the ceiling to be a premier tight end in the league, he does project to be a solid to above-average starter in the NFL.

Likelihood of drafting: Medium

If the Chiefs were to take a tight end, Dulcich would be the one that fans should get the most excited about. While he is somewhat of a “boom or bust” player, Dulcich could be an asset to an offense. With a very high ceiling, Dulcich could one day be a premier tight end.

While not a great blocker, Dulcich is very good for a tight end with the ball in his hands. He is a powerful runner and is quicker than you would think given his frame. If he can get some improvements in his technical ability, he may be a very nice career in the NFL.

Likelihood of drafting: Medium

Cade Otton projects to be a very good receiving target in contested catch situations. With a very large frame and wingspan, he creates an issue for defenders in man coverage. Otton is also a very good blocker and would make an immediate upgrade at the number two spot for Kansas City behind Travis Kelce.

Likelihood of drafting: Low

Jelani Woods maybe another “boom or bust” type player. With an enormous frame (6’7, 259 pounds), Woods may eventually be a very good tight end. With an ability to bully defenders at the catch point, he may one day be an excellent possession receiver. Unfortunately, despite his size, Woods is not a very good blocker and would need serious work in this area. If the Chiefs wanted a developmental piece, Woods would make a lot of sense in the 4th round.

Likelihood of Drafting: Medium

A change of pace here. Daniel Bellinger is not a great receiver, but he is a punishing blocker. As a run blocker, Bellinger would make an excellent piece in short-yardage situations. If he could improve in his route running and catching ability with some NFL coaching, he may be a very nice role player and special teamer.

Likelihood of Drafting: Medium

Peyton Hendershot is an interesting player in terms of his transition to the NFL. While not a great natural route runner, Hendershot has very good hands and ball-carrying ability. He is good at finding a hole and making guys miss in space. He could make for an H-back at the next level or a very good special teamer. He is a name to consider in the latter part of the draft.

Likelihood of Drafting: High

Lucas Krull is a guy that the Chiefs have actually visited with during the pre-draft process. Although he is not a typical tight end with high levels of production, one can see that he may eventually develop into a playmaker. Krull possesses very high athleticism for a tight end. At his pro day, Krull reportedly ran a 4.54 second 40 time. As a fast guy with a huge frame, he is certainly worth taking a late-round flyer on.