Chiefly Bacon’s Lazy Big Board: Tight Ends

Chiefs fans were concerned about TE depth before Demetrius Harris was caught with Marijuana in his possession. Now, you would think, it has to be a high priority for the Chiefs (pun intended). I’m not sure whether Harris had stone hands or stoner hands, but, in any case, Chiefs picked a good year to need some TE depth, because this draft has some pretty intriguing options.

Pick 27 TE David Njoku 6’4” 246lbs

You want a guy who can truly take the reigns if Kelcie gets hurt? Njoku’s your man. He’s a tremendously athletic receiver who‘s too physical for CBs and too fast for LBs. I’ve seen him compared to Greg Olsen, and I can see it. While he will need to build some strength to improve his blocking, his technique in that area is fairly good and he’s not weak. Njoku can step in right away and produce, but he has so much room to grow even beyond where he’s at now. Not a ton of experience at TE, so you have to think he’ll get even better. Great fit for Chiefs‘ offense.

Pick 59 TE Gerald Everett 6′3” 239lbs

His routes are a mess, but don’t let that fool you, Everett is going to be a special player. He’s a surprisingly good blocker for his size, but where he really shines is in his athleticism. He has great hands and a ridiculous vertical. Very explosive and fluid, if a good team can coach him up, Everett will be a mismatch weapon and a red zone target who is very productive. He’s drawn some comparisons to Brandon Marshall. I’m not sure if I’d go that far, but he’s definitely going to be a very reliable target for some QB in the near future, provided he gets matched up with a good coaching staff.

Pick 91 TE Bucky Hodges 6’6” 257lbs

I’m not as high on him as I used to be. Hodges has the size and the workout numbers of a first round pick, but he’s not going in the first. A former QB, Hodges still has a lot of polishing to do in his game. Could struggle to beat press coverage for a while. Doesn’t play as big as he looks, more oversized WR than TE at times. Hands aren’t quite where they should be. Despite these negatives, Hodges has truly special traits that merit a look if he falls far enough. This investment might not pay off right away, but, if it works out, Chiefs would be getting tremendous value for their pick.

Pick 104 TE Jake Butt 6‘5” 246lbs

Coming off an ACL tear certainly hurts his stock, but I like Butt. He might not be an elite athlete, like Kelce, but he can definitely be an Anthony Fasano type TE for the Chiefs. Reliable blocker and receiver who can fit in immediately as Chiefs #2 TE.

Pick 131 TE George Kittle 6’4” 247lbs

Great workout numbers, but it hasn’t completely translated on the field. Has speed, but doesn’t get separation, route running is a work in progress. Blocking technique is pretty good, but lacks the strength to block well in the NFL. Good hands and elite athletic traits make Kittle a prospect worth drafting and developing, but don’t expect him to blow up on offense right away.

Pick 171 or 179 TE Jeremy Sprinkle 6’5” 252lbs

A shoplifting charge could hurt his stock, but Sprinkle has, overall been a pretty good player. He’s not elite in any one area, but he’s going to be a very good blocker and an adequate receiver. He could be just as good as Jake Butt or he could be exclusively a blocking TE.

Pick 217 or 219 TE Michael Roberts 6’4” 270lbs

Roberts has had a tough life, full of family tragedy and personal struggle. It’s taken him some time to find his way in the football world, but he hasn’t gotten himself into trouble. Huge frame and a great blocker, Michael is a rapidly developing receiver as well. Doesn’t always seem motivated, but when the game is on the line, he shows up in a big way. I think you pair this guy with Andy Reid and everybody is going to be asking “who is that guy?” very soon. Huge potential as a blocker just waiting to be unlocked by a coach with the right approach.

Pick 248 TE Darell Daniels 6′3” 247lbs

Watching Daniels‘ tape, you would expect him to go undrafted. Then you look at his physical profile and you think he’s going in the second round. It’s going to take 2-3 years minimum to fix Daniels technique, but his upside is worth it. Daniels has 34.5” arms and 10.25” hands. If those measurements sound familiar, it’s because they’re almost exactly the same as Eric Fisher’s. Daniels is a freak with massive hands, long arms, and burner straight line speed, but you have to basically start from scratch with him on football stuff.

This draft has great depth and the TEs are no exception. Tons of athletic prospects, along with some traditional blockers. I think you can find a lot of value out of guys in every round. I don’t really have a favorite prospect from this group. They’re all really good. I’m intrigued by Daniels, but Everett or Njoku would probably have the biggest impact this year.