NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Who are the Chiefs taking?

Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State

How much longer than Travis Kelce do what Travis Kelce does?

That's the primary queston for the Chiefs who looked worse than expected without him in Week 1 as the offense sputtered and the Detroit Lions snuck away from Arrowhead with a shocking win to spoil the season opener. Kelce is back from a bone bruise these days, but you can imagine the front office will not soon forget the feeling of being without TK as the primary security blanket for Patrick Mahomes and this offense.

Kelce had 150-plus targets a year ago and will likely lead the Chiefs once again. But knowing that he was ailing with a back injury last postseason as well as this latest hyperextended knee, it would make a lot of sense to make a big-time investment in tight end to have a clear Plan B in case of another injury or scenario in which Kelce is not available. Plus as long as Kelce is around, a top-tier TE paired with him on offense could open up new possibilities.

Is Stover the guy? Luke Easterling of Sports Illustrated believes so. He caught 36 passes for 405 yards and 5 scores last year for the Buckeyes and he's off to a solid start this season as well. The hands are there and he's well-coached and would be an instant asset for the Chiefs offense.

Verdict: Let's be honest and admit no one will measure up to Travis Kelce, so anyone expecting Kelce 2.0 would be frustrated. But giving Mahomes a bright young target at the position makes sense.