KC Chiefs: Looking at tight end prospects for every round

In the next installation of our series, we take a look at the tight ends that will be available for the Chiefs at every level of the draft. Who’s available? We discuss.

The Kansas City Chiefs are not in dire need of a tight end, with future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce still on the roster. However, it might be about time for the Chiefs to begin their succession plan. After all, Kelce is not going to be the best tight end forever and he is 33 years old.

So, who is a viable replacement plan in this draft class? We take a look at the tight ends that the Chiefs could draft in each round of the draft.

Round 1: Darnell Washington, Georgia

The Chiefs have invested several years of blocking tight end duties in Blake Bell. What if they could have the same blocking ability and a better receiving threat? That is exactly what Darnell Washington would bring to the Chiefs. At 6’7, 267 pounds Washington would be an enormous target in the red zone as well as a second safety blanket if a team doubles Travis Kelce.

The long-term may eventually be to replace Travis Kelce, but for the short term, he makes the offense better in the running and passing game. A three-tight end set that would feature Washington, Kelce, and Noah Gray would be among the best tight end trios in the NFL.

Round 2: Sam LaPorta, Iowa

In the second round of the draft, Sam LaPorta could be an option to be the heir to the tight end position after Travis Kelce retires. While LaPorta leaves a lot to be desired in his blocking ability, he is a talented receiver. With good quickness and a thick frame, he seems to always come down with the ball if he gets his hands on it.

With a good understanding of leverage and footwork, LaPorta is a very talented receiving threat. In an offense that already features Travis Kelce, adding LaPorta to the mix would make them even more difficult to stop on 3rd and short.