TIGHT END DEPTH
Travis Kelce is one of the all-time great tight ends in football history. Arguably the most versatile receiving weapon the position has ever seen, he is the second most accomplished pass-catcher in NFL postseason history, behind only Jerry Rice.
Kelce's dominance is the main reason why the Chiefs haven't invested more than a fifth-round pick in the position since drafting him in 2013.
Despite his eight-year streak of 1,000-yard seasons ending last year, he regained his dominant postseason form to help the Chiefs win another Super Bowl. I don't buy into the notion that Travis Kelce is "washed." He suffered a significant injury shortly before the first game of the season, which he missed, and was injured again in Week 5. It's fair to say that he wasn't fully healthy until the playoffs. If he stays healthy this season, expect him to have another strong season.
The two main guys behind Kelce are Noah Gray and rookie Jared Wiley. Gray has been consistent over the last two seasons, recording 28 receptions in both years and 299 and 305 yards in 2022 and 2023, respectively. He also logged 8 catches and 66 yards in four postseason games last year. After losing Blake Bell, Gray will be asked to block more, a role he can surely handle.
Few players have generated more buzz in practices over the last month than Jared Wiley. He has stood out in the red zone, and Travis Kelce has been very complimentary of the rookie. Although he won't be starting this season, barring an injury, Wiley may carve out a role for himself in the offense. If Wiley can develop as a blocker, he will earn a lot of playing time in his rookie season.
The Chiefs also have Irv Smith Jr. as the TE4, though his spot on the final roster isn't guaranteed, after signing him to a one-year deal earlier in free agency..
A group of Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, and Jared Wiley is arguably the strongest the Chiefs have been at TE1-TE3 in a very long time. They all have the talent to contribute in the receiving game and provide Patrick Mahomes with a reliable target in the middle of the field.