Ranking the AFC West’s best tight ends

How does the Kansas City Chiefs tight end room compare to the other AFC West teams?

As we continue our series comparing the various offenses in the AFC West, and having already evaluated each team’s running back room, quarterback room, and offensive line, we only have two offensive positions remaining: Tight end and wide receiver.

In this installment of the series, we will evaluate how each AFC West team’s tight end room matches up.

Broncos: Albert Okwuegbunam

I’m a Mizzou guy. Both my parents and my brother graduated from there. I follow Mizzou football closely. With that, I’ve watched Albert O. play since his first year at Mizzou. I think the guy is awesome and he was really good in college. However, I’m not so sure that’s translated well into the NFL. Since being drafted in 2020, only recorded 451 yards and 3 TDs. I’m not yet ready to label Albert O. as a bust, because since his draft year, he’s been splitting snaps with Noah Fant. But, I’m not confident he’ll turn out to be a star for the Broncos.

BACKUP TE: Greg Dulcich (Rookie), Eric Tomlinson

Points: 1

Chargers: Gerald Everett

It was a toss-up between Everett and Donald Parham for this slot. However, since Everett is listed as TE1 on the ESPN Depth Chart, he gets the go-ahead. Everett averages 10.7 yards per attempt, but that number may fool you. In five years in the league, he only has 1,867 yards and 12 TDs. This isn’t necessarily bad, but in a division containing Darren Waller and Travis Kelce, it leaves much to be desired.

BACKUP TE: Donald Parham Jr., Tre’ McKitty

Points: 2

Raiders: Darren Waller

Waller had a down year this past season, only recording 665 yards and 2 TDs off of 93 targets and 55 receptions. That’s still 12.1 yards per attempt, but it’s fewer yards than in his previous two years. Waller had 1,145 yards and 3 TDs in 2019 and 1,196 yards and 9 TDs in 2020. Waller is also top 15 in the league in pass blocking according to PFF’s TE Position Grades, scoring a 74.2. However, he leaves much to be desired in the way of run blocking. He is bottom 10 out of the 70 ranked TEs, scoring a 45.1 run-blocking grade.

BACKUP TE: Foster Moreau, Jacob Hollister, Nick Bowers

Points: 3

Chiefs: Travis Kelce

Honestly, no tight end in the AFC West holds a candle to Travis Kelce. Since taking his first snaps in 2014, Kelce has never had a season where he recorded less than 862 yards (2014), and he’s had six straight 1,000-yard seasons. He’s also great when it comes to both pass and run blocking. And he can even play wildcat well. Overall, he’s the best tight end in the league. Though, George Kittle is a close second (he can’t play wildcat though).

BACKUP TE: Blake Bell, Noah Gray, Jody Fortson

Points: 4

The Best: Chiefs

This was an easy decision. Travis Kelce is simply the best tight end in the AFC West. He can do it all and do it well. He’s getting older, which is why the Chiefs have Noah Gray and Jody Fortson, but I believe Kelce still has some gas in his tank, so I’m comfortable giving the Chiefs the win in this section.

We’re down to only one position left to grade; wide receiver: So, after four positional evaluations, where do the four teams stand? Let’s find out.

1. Chiefs (14)
2. Chargers (11)
3. Raiders (9)
4. Broncos (6)