2024 NFL mock draft: Kansas City Chiefs projected to add offensive sizzle

Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas (Seth Trachtman, Yardbarker)

Here is Seth Trachtman's analysis of the pick of Texas tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders in his latest mock draft at Yardbarker: "The Chiefs can never have enough weapons for Patrick Mahomes, and could start thinking about Travis Kelce's long-term replacement next year. Sanders just scratched the surface last season with 54 catches for 613 yards and five touchdowns."

I'm actually somewhat supportive of this selection. While Travis Kelce is currently the best tight end in the NFL, his dominance won't last forever. As he approaches his 34th birthday in early October, it's unfortunate but realistic to acknowledge that he won't maintain his elite status indefinitely. Personally, I would have been on board with the Chiefs picking a tight end early in the most recent draft, given the overall strength of that position in the class. However, that didn't materialize, making it even more prudent for Kansas City to ramp up its search for Kelce's successor.

Yes, the Chiefs have young tight ends like Noah Gray, Jody Fortson, and Matt Bushman, but none of these players are guaranteed to develop beyond being reliable depth contributors. Therefore, it's crucial for Kansas City to thoroughly evaluate tight ends in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Identifying a potential successor to Kelce should be a priority to ensure a smooth transition in the future for Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.