7. Travis Kelce: I always say there are players who I brainstorm and think about with this list that just immediately come to mind. He’s the one piece of the Kansas City offense that ignites everything. This game made a name for himself before Patrick Mahomes and continues to show why he’s the best playing his position now. Once again, Travis Kelce is back on the list. He claims the number seven spot and checks in as my top tight end in the NFL today.
I love the energy he brings to the table every week. It’s never a dull moment with him. What’s made Travis the best at his position is his ability to get himself open. You can think he’s getting ready to block downhill, then bam! He frees himself over the middle of the field and he’s got the ball in his hands. It doesn’t matter who’s on him or what the defensive scheme is, Travis is a mismatch nightmare all over. He draws at least two guys’ attention per game. What amazes me is how he runs his own route tree. Travis always seems to find the open spot in zone coverage and Patrick always finds him. It’s tough to defend a guy like him because you never know what’s coming. He’s always moving and is so crafty while running his routes. I’ve commonly said it for years that Travis is a wide receiver stuck in the body of a tight end. He’s a smooth operator with underrated speed, has great hands and he’s the one guy you must know where he is at all times.
For the sixth consecutive season, Travis eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark. He’s the only tight end in NFL history with the most consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards receiving. Travis is basically another receiver at the quarterbacks’ disposal, especially with how he’s used within that Chiefs offense. He’s one of the best receiving tight ends I’ve had the pleasure of watching.
