Chiefs tight end uncertainty makes Justin Joly an intriguing option

The list of needs that the Chiefs have is definitely lengthy even after a productive free agency period. Frankly, the Chiefs probably aren't going to be able to plug every hole they have with a premium pick. Like the great 2022 draft, the Chiefs will have to find value on Day 2 and Day 3. With the tight end position, the Chiefs are essentially a total unknown after 2026.

Travis Kelce, despite some wild reporting, is on a one-year deal and appears to be close to calling it a Hall of Fame career. To this point, Noah Gray has not lived up to his extension and will be easier to cut than keep in 2027. Jared Wiley and UDFA Jake Briningstool are total unknowns after their second and first years in the league. The Chiefs could need two or three new tight ends heading into 2027, and they could certainly use another pass catcher.

The good news is that this is a very deep and talented tight end class. There are all different types in the class too. You have move tight ends such as Eli Stowers, strong blocking tight ends like Sam Roush and Eli Raridon, and guys who can do a little bit of both, such as Max Klare. With the Chiefs reportedly having a top-30 visit with Justin Joly, the Chiefs could look to add a more dynamic element to their passing game.

NFL Draft Profile: Justin Joly, TE, NC State

1. Justin Joly's background
2. Justin Joly's strengths
3. Justin Joly's weaknesses
4. How does Justin Joly fit with the Chiefs?

Justin Joly's background

Age: 21 (on draft day)

Height: 6-3

Weight: 241 LBS.

Hands: 10.5 inches

Arms: 32 1/4 inches

Tape Exposure: Florida State (2025), Pitt (2025), Virginia Tech (2025)

Joly attended Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, New York. Rated as only a two-star prospect by 247 Sports, he committed to Connecticut, where he spent the first two seasons of his college career. After appearing in all 24 games for Connecticut, he entered the transfer portal as a four-star prospect and committed to NC State. He finished out the final two years of eligibility. Joly completed his college career with 166 receptions, 1,978 yards, and 15 touchdowns.

Justin Joly's strengths

Hands

Massive 10.5-inch hands that rank in the 91st percentile of tight ends help him as a natural catcher of the football. Only four drops over the last two seasons (5.7% drop rate). His strong hands also help him at the catch point. Career 66% contested catch rate.

Route Running

Above-average route runner for the position, smart and savvy with zones. Finds space well and understands how to use leverage and strength as a route runner. Mismatch weapon, too big and strong for corners and too quick for linebackers.

Yards after Catch

Career 5.5 yards after catch per reception. Shifty and explosive with the ball in his hands. Also can be used as a perimeter receiver with his strong ball skills.

Justin Joly's weaknesses

Blocking

Not a weapon as a blocker, typically used detached from the line of scrimmage. When asked to block, he's used mostly out in space or as a puller rather than inline.

Speed and Accleration

Quicker than fast, not pulling away downfield from most corners or safeties. Leads to concerns around separation downfield.

Man Coverage

Needs improved strength to play through contact at the line of scrimmage. Can be misrouted by more physical defensive backs.

How does Justin Joly fit with the Chiefs?

Right now, Joly might feel a little redundant to what the Chiefs have on the roster. All of the Chiefs tight ends can be described as adequate blockers that are more valuable as pass catchers. While Joly has more twitch than any of the Chiefs tight ends do, he's definitely more of a long-term play. We'd rather see the Chiefs go toward a strong blocking tight end that can find the field quickly and might develop into a pass catcher over time.

Joly is a versatile tight end with a strong frame, large catch radius, and smooth route-running ability. He creates mismatches across alignments and shows a natural feel for reading coverage and adjusting routes. He’s a reliable red-zone target with excellent body control and toughness at the catch point. He needs to improve explosiveness, blocking technique, and functional strength to contribute consistently in-line.

Round Grade: Grey Chip (Day 3 Grade)

Shades of: Jonu Smith