The Lazy Big Board:
Chiefs Targets At TE
by Ransom Hawthorne, March 15, 2019
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the best tight ends in the National Football League, in Travis Kelce, but with the departure of Demetrius Harris, they lack a number two. Kelce is also getting older, and Chiefs lack any potential replacement, on the roster. If there’s one position that this draft is deepest at, it’s probably TE. The Chiefs may not need one desperately, but they do need receivers and, in today’s NFL, the line between wide-outs, and tight ends, is becoming increasingly blurred. If K.C. takes one, or even two, TEs from this draft class, I will be neither surprised, nor disappointed.
Pick #29 – None: T.J. Hockenson isn’t falling this far. Noah Fant is quite good, but I don’t think he’s polished enough to spend a pick on this early. Not to worry, options abound in the next round.
Pick 61 or 63 TE Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M 6‘4” 251 lbs.
Sternberger isn’t a great blocker, and he’s not the fastest TE, in the draft. That said, he’s explosive, fluid, and runs fantastic routes. With good hands and the wingspan to snag passes, outside his frame, Sternberger is great pure receiving TE, who’ll be ready to contribute, day one, in that capacity. If he can add some strength, and improve his blocking, he’s got the potential to be a #1 TE. Even if he never excels in that area, he’s well worth the pick as a big receiving target who can play outside, or in the slot.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.75 |
17 |
31.5” |
113” |
7.19 |
4.31 |
Pick 92 TE Dawson Knox, Mississippi 6‘4” 254 lbs.
Phenomenal athlete, and a good run blocker. Route running, at Ole Miss, was pretty limited, so he’ll need a year to develop those skills, but don’t let that fool you, he’s a good receiver. Targets were hard to come by, behind AJ Brown and DK Metcalf, but Knox made the most of his, averaging 18.9 yards per catch. A former high school QB, Knox also played on STs, in college. He’s a smart football player and Chiefs can find plenty for him to do, while he’s developing a full route tree.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
None |
16 |
34.5” |
None |
7.12 |
4.27 |
Pick 167 TE Foster Moreau, LSU 6‘4” 253 lbs.
Moreau is an excellent run blocker, who can come in, right away, and be an upgrade (from Harris). He’s not very refined, as a route runner, but has the top end athleticism to develop into one. Moreau can be a very useful #2, for the Chiefs, with the upside to be a true #1 TE, if they can develop him, as a receiver. The tools are definitely there. Also, I love his attitude, has some nastiness to his game.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.66 |
22 |
36.5” |
121” |
7.16 |
4.11 |
Pick 201 TE Trevon Wesco, West Virginia 6‘3” 269 lbs.
A blocking TE, who could see some action at FB. Wesco is a unique size/speed combo. Skills need some polishing, but he can dominate guys when he gets his hands on them. Has the fluidity to be more than he is, right now, as a receiver. If Chiefs run the ball more, to close out games, they could benefit from having a player like Wesco. He’s a high effort guy and can be used as an extra blocker, in addition to playing TE or FB.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.89 |
24 |
31” |
117” |
7.18 |
4.38 |
Pick 214 or 216 TE Kahale Warring, San Diego State 6‘5” 252 lbs.
Dynamic athlete, from a small school. Work in progress, from a technique standpoint, as he was a late covert to football. Multi sport athlete, in high school, and succeeded at whatever he put his hand to. Displays proper demeanor, and effort, as a run blocker, while possessing effortless speed, that can make him productive, as a receiver, with some polish.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.67 |
19 |
36.5” |
122” |
7.21 |
4.25 |
TE isn’t a major priority, but the Chiefs do need to add offensive weapons. If they could secure a good run blocker, with the athleticism to develop, as a receiving option, down the line, I think that would be great. Either Moreau, or Knox would be fantastic additions. Defense needs to be a major priority, but K.C. needs to draft for value. With the talent of this tight end class, Veach will probably get a shot at one he likes.
The Honorable Mentions
TJ Hockenson: If Hockenson fell to the Chiefs, you take him. If he falls close, you think about trading up for him. He’s that great of a prospect. Also, heaven forbid the Pats get their mitts on him.
Caleb Wilson: Wilson tested really well at the combine, but his tape didn’t quite make me comfortable, drafting in the 2nd or 3rd round. If he were to fall, later in the draft, I’d definitely be interested.
Isaiah Oliver: I live Oliver a lot. He’s a refined route runner and a good receiver. Doesn’t offer a ton as run blocker. I think Knox fits the Chiefs immediate needs better, but Oliver will be the better receiver initially. It was close between those two, for me.
Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne
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