CB’s Lazy Big Board: TE

The Kansas City Chiefs got a brief taste of life without tight end Travis Kelce, and it was bitter indeed. TE #2, Demetrius Harris, has yet to show anything more than flashes as a pass catcher, though he’s been decent as a blocker. If K.C. struck gold in reserve future signing, Jace Amaro, they’re probably set. Otherwise, GM Brett Veach should still be searching a for a new TE #2. Unfortunately, this probably isn’t the draft to find one. While a few options exist, this might be the thinnest the draft has been at the TE position in years. Still, a few possibilities exist, if they actually fall to the Chiefs.

Pick 54 TE/WR Mike Gesicki 6′5” 247lbs

This darling of the draft community had an incredible performance at the combine. Showcasing elite speed and athleticism, Gesicki will be a fantastic weapon in an NFL passing offense. That said, he’s not a run blocker and could be multiple seasons away from being even competent in that role. Whatever team drafts Gesicki might be putting TE next to his name, but they know he’s just a big WR, albeit a good one.

Pick 76 TE Dallas Goedert 6‘ 5” 255lbs

Goedert can do everything a modern TE needs to do. Great catch skills, solid route runner, and is a capable blocker. He hasn’t seen a ton of talented defenders in college, so he may take a “minute” to adjust to NFL speed and physicality, but he has all the tools to be a quality starting TE.

Pick 86 No pick suggested

Pick 122/124 TE Troy Fumagali 6‘6” 248lbs

Fumagali won’t blow you away with his numbers, nor will his physique wow you. However, he makes the most of the tools God gave him and works hard every snap. Fumagali’s ceiling is likely as a #2 TE whose main job is run blocking, but he’s diligent as a player and can work his way open, given time. If you like results over potential, Fumagali is your guy. He might not look like much, but, when you turn on the tape, he gets the job done.

Pick 196 TE Dalton Shultz 6′6” 242lbs

Opposite of Gesicki. Shultz is a fantastic run blocker, with almost no talent as a receiver. There’s not as much call for that, in the NFL, as there used to be. Shultz wouldn’t offer Chiefs much help if Kelce went down, but he might allow them to move on from their current run blocker, Harris, or at least provide an option there once Harris gets suspended.

Pick 233/243 TE Tyler Conklin 6‘4” 240lbs

It’s hard to make a mark playing for a Mid-American conference team. Even harder coming off a severe foot injury, but Conklin managed to do that. He finished college with a career average of 14 YPC. He’s a sneaky good athlete, who’ll mostly contribute as a run blocker, but can make teams pay who forget about his pass catching skills. If Conklin is healthy, he could be better than a lot of people think. I watched some of his older tape and he looked to have pretty good hands and route running skills. Could be a good option in the red zone.

This is a really bad year to need a TE, but with many teams aware of this, it’s possible that one ends up falling farther than they should. The Chiefs don’t need to make an addition here, but you never pass up quality talent. My first choice would be Conklin, minimal investment for a guy with some quality potential. Gesicki has promise, but may not last until Kansas City’s pick, when early picks should probably be used on the defense.

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