The Kansas City Chiefs have made a strategic move by locking in Travis Kelce for his 14th season in the NFL. As the team’s primary tight end, there is no doubt that Kelce will continue to be a crucial player for the Chiefs. However, there are some who believe that the team should have a solid contingency plan in place for the future. In fact, former Chiefs quarterback Trent Green has even suggested an ideal successor for Kelce with the No.9 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Green recently shared his thoughts on the Chiefs’ tight end situation during an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio. He believes that the Chiefs should consider drafting Florida tight end Kyle Pitts with their No.9 pick. Pitts has been highly praised for his skills and has been compared to Kelce himself.
While Kelce has been a dominant force for the Chiefs, it is no secret that he is approaching the latter part of his career. At 31 years old, he has already achieved numerous accolades including being a six-time Pro Bowler and a two-time First-Team All-Pro. He has also been a key player in the Chiefs’ recent success, including their Super Bowl win in 2020.
However, with age catching up, it is only natural for the team to start thinking about a potential successor for Kelce. This is where Pitts comes into the picture. At 6’6″ and 246 pounds, he possesses a similar build to Kelce and has shown impressive skills on the field. In his junior year at Florida, he recorded 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning him First-Team All-SEC honors.
Green believes that Pitts would be an ideal fit for the Chiefs’ offense and would be able to learn from Kelce before taking over as the primary tight end. He also pointed out that having two talented tight ends on the team would give the Chiefs an edge over their opponents.
It is not just Green who sees the potential in Pitts. Many experts have also predicted that he will be a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft. With the Chiefs holding the No.9 pick, it would be a perfect opportunity for them to secure a talented tight end like Pitts.
Of course, this does not mean that the Chiefs should overlook their current tight end group. Kelce will still be the primary player in the position and will continue to be a key player for the team. However, having a solid backup plan in place is always a smart move, especially in the NFL where injuries are common.
Moreover, drafting Pitts would also give the Chiefs a chance to add more depth to their offense. With the departure of Sammy Watkins, the team could use another weapon for quarterback Patrick Mahomes to target. Pitts’ versatility as a receiver and blocker would make him a valuable addition to the team.
In conclusion, while some may see the Chiefs’ decision to lock in Kelce for another season as a sign of complacency, it is actually a smart move by the team. The addition of Pitts would only strengthen their offense and secure their tight end position for the future. With the No.9 pick in their hands, the Chiefs have the opportunity to make a bold move and secure a talented player like Pitts. And with Kelce as his mentor, Pitts could potentially become the next dominant tight end in the NFL.
