Selected by Kansas City in the third round of the 2013 draft, Travis Kelce missed pretty much all of his rookie season due to injury, playing in only one game. He was on a mission to make up for lost time in 2014 and quickly made his mark by catching 67 passes for 862 yards and five touchdowns. His total was even more impressive noting that he did not receive extensive playing time at times during the season, yielding to journeyman Anthony Fasano in Kansas City’s peculiar offense. Fasano stole four touchdowns last year, but the Chiefs sent him packing during the offseason. With substantial playing time assured, just how terrific can Travis be in 2015?
2015 Upside
Alex Smith can generate plenty of snarky comments, but one honest factoid about Smith is that he likes targeting his tight end. He frequently made connections with Vernon Davis during his San Francisco days and already has a good rapport with Kelce. The number of tight ends in the NFL who can stake a claim to being their team’s top target is very small. Travis is one who can, as he was Kansas City’s leading receiver last year. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, signed away from the Philadelphia Eagles, will help open things up for the entire offense. Maclin’s arrival also might help bring Smith out of his shell, which would further benefit Kelce who is a good downfield receiver.
2015 Downside
Kelce could start slow. In three of their first four games, Kansas City travels to Houston, Cincinnati, and Green Bay. The other game is a home contest with Denver. Although Maclin will make the offense more viable, he will also draw plenty of targets and potentially challenge Kelce for the number one spot in the pecking order. And the other wide receivers, led by rookie Chris Conley and improving Albert Wilson, will also help make that unit better than it was last year. Remember, not a single wide receiver on the Kansas City roster scored a touchdown in 2014. That will change, potentially at the expense of Travis, as Smith is not going to suddenly throw 40 touchdowns. Jamaal Charles will still be the main breadwinner of the offense. And even though Kelce is not an exceptional blocker, could he be called upon to pitch in more than anticipated in that area? Kansas City’s line has some flaws.
Bottom Line
If Kelce merely matches last year’s numbers, that still makes him one of the more reliable options at the weak tight end position. If he exceeds them, which he probably should be able to do with Fasano gone, he will be in line to join the elite company of Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham. Kelce’s ADP is most likely to be in round four, which is a rational price to pay for one of the few trustworthy tight ends.
