Chiefs: Tightening Up The Tight End

The tight end is a position that we as rabid Chiefs fans have recently become accustomed to being one of great importance to the offensive playbook. After the departure of the great Tony Gonzalez in 2008, the cupboard was barren. Marched out of the locker room were the likes of Brad Cottam, Tony Moeaki, and Kevin Boss. While surely talented, most were injury prone and subject to drops. Enter Travis Kelce.

Kelce was picked in the 3rd round of the 2013 draft. He immediately began showing talent and skills we have been craving for so long. Alas, it was not meant to be. He was dropped on the IR in October after only playing in one game and with nothing to show for it. Our dreams were dashed before they could even come to fruition. He did come back though. In 2014 he led the team as a receiver and made headlines with a crude gesture towards Von Miller. This would mark the true beginning of a very promising career.

After showcasing his talent and mad dance skills that rival Fred Astaire Kelce has solidified himself as one of the premier tight ends in the entire league. With on-field antics that include throwing his own flag at a ref and a subsequent ejection, Kelce has shown a passion for the game and a willingness to voice his opinion on and off the field. Were this any other player on the team we may be calling for their heads. Because of his talent, Kelce is afforded more patience than others.  This, however, leaves us to question what would happen if he goes down with another season-ending injury. With backups of James O’Shaughnessy, Demetrius Harris, Travis Ross, and now Gavin Escobar, it is not looking good. Harris’ recent run in with the law and a felony charge for possession may spell the end of his time with us. O’Shaughnessy and Ross have shown promise in limited snaps but, neither possess the full range of skills required to surpass Harris on the depth chart, which is troubling news. Gavin Escobar is a cast off from Dallas who could never make a name for himself while backing up Jason Witten. A serviceable pass catcher with sub-par blocking skills, Escobar leaves one wanting. I believe it is time to look for depth elsewhere.

The big name TE free agent this year had to be Martellus Bennett. Coming off a Super Bowl victory he was sure to be a hot commodity in the market and it was bound to be picked up quickly. Bennett signed a 3-year $21 million contract with the Packers, thus leaving our beloved Chiefs to keep searching. We may find such talent in an unlikely place. A quarterback.

ROBERT TONYAN

John-Andy-Reid-Dorsey — JARD — have shown a willingness to develop and grow their own TE, and with the potential departure of Harris, another project may be what the doctor has ordered. Robert Tonyan is an ex-quarterback and wide receiver for Indiana State and has shown great promise as a pass catcher. A large receiver at 6-foot-5 and 236 pounds, he has the frame and desire to make the switch over to the tight end position. Originally a redshirt quarterback he made the switch to receiver and never looked back, Tonyan was highly productive in college with 2047 yards from scrimmage and 22 touchdowns. With surprising speed, he hit a 4.58-second 40-yard dash and a 38″ vertical jump which is comparable to other numbers brought by tight ends. Possessing decent blocking skills that could improve with coaching round out his talents. Tonyan is definitely a project. Having never played the position he would take a minimum of 2 years to perfect his technique and smooth out the rough edges. Projected to go in the late 6th round he would be ideal as a low-risk high-reward pick.

MICHAEL ROBERTS

Toledo prospect Michael Roberts is a spectacular blocking tight end projected to go in the 4th round. With a 270 pound 6-foot-4 body, he is the definition of a bruiser. Quickness is not his forte though, having run a 4.86 at the combine. He possesses decent straight line speed, but limited versatility in route running and pass catching. He could primarily be implemented in 3 tight end sets or on designated rushing downs. Considered a road grader by most pundits, Roberts does have the athleticism necessary to surprise defenses with red zone plays. After a good outing at the Senior Bowl, he is drawing the attention of a few teams looking to beef up their rush blocking and depth at the position.

ADAM SHAHEEN

Coming out of Ashland at 6-foot-6 and 278 pounds, Shaheen is considered by many to have a high ceiling in terms of potential. He is hulk who shows a willingness to go up and fight for the ball on contested catches. Overpowering defenders and fighting for extra yards on would be ended plays are common place in his game film. Drawing comparisons to Gronkowski, he would be an excellent addition to the offense. Shaheen is a talented pass catcher with good hands and a great work ethic. He would be sure to create mismatches on passing downs and become a nightmare on rushing plays. With the strength and stamina necessary he could become a 3 down feature opposite Kelce and boggle the mind of defensive coordinators. One knock against him is speed. With a 4.79 40 time, he is not going to dazzle anyone running. Although he does have a good knowledge of route running and pass protection to more than make-up for his lack of burst. Projected to be had in the 3rd round, he would be in an ideal location for JARD to grab the brass ring and bring him home to KC.

So what do you think guys? Does anyone stand out to you as the next man up behind Kelce? Do you think there is someone better to be had? Comment below and as always VIVA LA JET SWEEP and GO CHIEFS!