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2023 NFL Draft crushes for the Kansas City Chiefs

By Lyle Graversen

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver Marvin Mims #17 of the Oklahoma Sooners points for a first down after making a 22-yard catch to the 12-yard line against the Iowa State Cyclones in the third quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver Marvin Mims #17 of the Oklahoma Sooners points for a first down after making a 22-yard catch to the 12-yard line against the Iowa State Cyclones in the third quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 17: Michael Mayer #87 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action against the California Golden Bears during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 17, 2022 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 17: Michael Mayer #87 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action against the California Golden Bears during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 17, 2022 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Tight End Draft Crushes

Michael Mayer – Notre Dame – 6’4″ – 249 lbs – 4.70 forty

It almost feels lame putting the guy that’s been widely considered the best tight end in this class on my draft crush list, but there’s a reason he’s been viewed as the top guy in this class, he’s REALLY good. For some reason, as draft season has played out this year, it seems like Mayer is almost a forgotten guy in this class. Dalton Kincaid has become the popular name at the position and then it seems like people jump right to their favorite second-tier options. If NFL teams take that same view of the position and Mayer slides to pick #31 the Chiefs would be crazy to pass on him.

Mayer’s hands must be made out of glue because every ball in his area sticks to them. He’s an absolute monster in the red zone and contested catches in general. He’s not as fluid of a mover as Kincaid is, but he’s still a reliable route runner and he’s one of the better inline blockers in this class. The Chiefs could play him inline as their number two tight end while Kelce is still in his prime and then slowly transition over to Mayer as the number one. Nobody will ever be Travis Kelce, but Mayer’s hands in Andy Reid’s offense with Patrick Mahomes throwing him the ball would be an absolute win for the Chiefs.

Darnell Washington – Georgia – 6’6″ – 264 lbs – 4.64 forty

Look, I don’t know that I want the Chiefs to draft Darnell Washington in the first round, but he’s such a joy to watch that I couldn’t leave him off this list. Washington blocks like an offensive tackle and takes great joy in just burying defenders into the turf. It’s glorious. He also has reliable hands and is a real problem to tackle after the catch. His route running leaves a lot to be desired, so I don’t know if he’ll ever be a highly productive pass catcher, but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s really fun to watch doing the things he does well.

Blake Whiteheart – Wake Forrest – 6’4″ – 247 lbs – 4.70 forty

Since the first two tight ends on this list might be first-round picks I figured I better throw you a late-round/deep-cut prospect to go with them. That guy for me is Blake Whiteheart out of Wake Forrest. The tight end wasn’t a big part of Wake Forrest’s passing game and consequently, Whiteheart only had 44 career receptions. However, his tape shows a guy with good hands that will reach out and snag passes and moves pretty well for his size. He’s also a really solid blocker that gives great effort every snap. If there was one late-round tight end in this class that surprised people and turned into an above-average NFL starter, my money would be on Whiteheart.

Next up, let’s talk offensive tackles.

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