The Kansas City Chiefs have been making waves in the NFL with their recent signing of star tight end Travis Kelce for his 14th season. As the team prepares for another successful year, there is no doubt that Kelce will once again take on the primary role in the tight end group. However, there are some who believe that the Chiefs should have a solid contingency plan in place in case Kelce is unable to continue his dominance on the field.
One such person is former Chiefs quarterback, Alex Smith. In a recent interview, Smith pitched an ideal successor for Kelce in the form of the team’s No.9 pick in the upcoming NFL draft. He believes that this move would not only secure the Chiefs’ future but also provide Kelce with the support he needs to continue performing at his best.
Smith’s suggestion has sparked a debate among fans and analysts alike. Some argue that the team should focus on other positions, while others believe that a backup for Kelce is necessary. However, one thing is for sure, the Chiefs have a tough decision to make when it comes to their No.9 pick.
Travis Kelce has been an essential part of the Chiefs’ success in recent years. The 31-year-old has been a consistent performer, breaking records and setting new ones along the way. In the 2020 season, Kelce recorded 1,416 receiving yards, the most by a tight end in a single season in NFL history. He also became the first tight end in NFL history to record five consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Kelce’s presence on the field has been crucial for the Chiefs, and his leadership and experience have been invaluable to the team. However, at 31, Kelce is approaching the later stages of his career, and the Chiefs must start planning for the future.
This is where Alex Smith’s suggestion comes into play. Smith believes that the Chiefs should use their No.9 pick to draft Florida Gators tight end, Kyle Pitts. Pitts is considered one of the top prospects in this year’s draft, and many believe he has the potential to be an elite tight end in the NFL.
At 6’6″ and 240 pounds, Pitts has the size and athleticism to be a dominant force on the field. He is an excellent route runner and has exceptional hands, making him a reliable target for any quarterback. In his final year at Florida, Pitts recorded 770 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, proving that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Moreover, drafting Pitts would not only provide the Chiefs with a backup for Kelce but also give them a dynamic duo at the tight end position. Kelce’s experience and leadership would be invaluable for Pitts, and he could learn a lot from one of the best in the game.
While some may argue that the Chiefs should focus on other positions, it is essential to remember that the tight end position is crucial in their offensive scheme. Kelce’s backup, Nick Keizer, has shown promise, but he is not at the same level as Kelce. Having a player like Pitts on the team would not only provide depth but also give the Chiefs more options on offense.
It is also worth noting that Kelce has had his fair share of injuries in the past. While he has been fortunate to avoid any major injuries, there is always a risk of him missing games due to injury. Having a reliable backup like Pitts would ensure that the Chiefs do not suffer a significant drop in performance in Kelce’s absence.
In conclusion, while Travis Kelce’s presence on the field is irreplaceable, it is essential for the Chiefs to start planning for the future. Alex Smith’s suggestion of drafting Kyle Pitts with the No.9 pick would not only secure the team’s future but also provide Kelce with the support he needs to continue performing at his best. With Pitts’ potential and Kelce’s experience, the Chiefs could have a dynamic duo at the tight end position for years to come. It is a move that could pay off in the long run and solidify the Chiefs as one of the top teams in the NFL.