The Kansas City Chiefs have had an incredible season, culminating in their Super Bowl victory against the San Francisco 49ers. Led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have proven to be a dominant force on the field. However, as the team looks towards the future, there is one position that may need to be addressed – tight end.
Travis Kelce has been a key player for the Chiefs since he was drafted in 2013. He has been a reliable target for Mahomes, racking up over 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last four seasons. However, with Kelce turning 31 this year, it may be time for the Chiefs to start thinking about his replacement.
Fortunately, the 2020 NFL Draft is filled with talented tight end prospects, and the Chiefs may have their eye on one in particular – Cole Kmet from the University of Notre Dame.
Kmet is a 6’6″, 262-pound tight end who has drawn comparisons to some of the best in the NFL, including Kelce himself. He possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that has caught the attention of many teams, including the Chiefs.
Kmet had a breakout season in 2019, recording 43 receptions for 515 yards and six touchdowns. He also showed his versatility by playing both tight end and pitcher for Notre Dame’s baseball team. This athleticism and versatility make him an attractive prospect for any team, but especially for the Chiefs.
One of the main reasons Kmet is being touted as a potential replacement for Kelce is his ability to create mismatches on the field. With his size and speed, he can line up as a traditional tight end or split out wide as a receiver. This versatility would be a valuable asset for the Chiefs’ high-powered offense, as it would give Mahomes another dynamic weapon to work with.
But it’s not just Kmet’s physical abilities that make him a standout prospect. He also has a high football IQ and a strong work ethic, which have been praised by his coaches and teammates. He is a disciplined route runner and has shown the ability to make difficult catches in traffic. These qualities make him a reliable target for any quarterback, and would make him a perfect fit for the Chiefs’ offense.
Of course, it’s not a guarantee that the Chiefs will select Kmet in the draft. They have other needs to address, including on the defensive side of the ball. However, if they do decide to draft a tight end, Kmet would be an excellent choice.
But even if the Chiefs don’t select Kmet, there are other talented tight ends in this year’s draft class that could potentially fill the void left by Kelce in the future. Players like Adam Trautman from Dayton and Harrison Bryant from Florida Atlantic have also caught the attention of NFL teams and could be options for the Chiefs in the later rounds of the draft.
Regardless of who the Chiefs choose, it’s clear that they will need to start planning for the future at the tight end position. Kelce has been a crucial part of their success, but at 31 years old, he may only have a few more years left in the league. Bringing in a talented young tight end like Kmet would not only provide insurance for the future, but also add another weapon to an already explosive offense.
In addition to his on-field abilities, Kmet also possesses the intangibles that make him a perfect fit for the Chiefs’ organization. He has a strong work ethic and a team-first mentality, which aligns with the culture that head coach Andy Reid has established in Kansas City.
It’s clear that the Chiefs have a bright future ahead, and adding a talented tight end like Kmet would only enhance their chances of continued success. While it’s never easy to replace a player like Kelce, the Chiefs have the opportunity to do so with a young, talented prospect in the upcoming draft. And with the guidance of Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs’ offense, Kmet could potentially become the next superstar tight end in Kansas City.
