This is a lock-sure Hall of Fame guy we’re talking about. Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce had seven straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons before missing by 16 yards to make it eight last year. And this comes from the tight end position. So honestly, can fantasy football owners dare think about passing on drafting Travis Kelce when overall picks 24-30 roll around? The answer is a resounding … maybe. Let’s dive in.
Chiefs TE Travis Kelce in line for a lesser season?
Although Travis Kelce hasn’t shown signs of slowing down in recent years, he will turn 35 years old in October. For comparison’s sake, Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez had a first-team All-Pro season at age 36.
But there’s a caveat. Gonzalez yearned for a Super Bowl appearance and the Falcons were in the mix. His motivation remained high. As for Travis Kelce, he already has three Super Bowl titles. Sure, he might be a little extra motivated to help the Chiefs make NFL history with a third straight title. But most of that inspiration will come in the playoffs after the fantasy football season is finished.
There simply isn’t anything left for Travis Kelce to prove in the regular season. Plus, if the Chiefs are wise they won’t ride Kelce like they have in the past. His target share has been over 120 in each of the last seven seasons. Yes, when Kelce is on the field, Patrick Mahomes will throw him the football. But it’s not a reach to think Kelce won’t play as many snaps this season.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see him get more than 110 targets. But the silver lining may be where those targets come from. Kelce might get even more Red Zone targets if that’s possible. He had 20 last season, where he collected all five of his touchdowns.
Everybody needs a tight end, right?
In some fantasy football leagues, tight ends are an option instead of a necessity. The position is so thin and boring they can only be included as a flex or at the WR-TE position. Plus, they don’t get the same bump for PPR.
But Kelce still holds his own against many wide receivers because of yardage and the potential for double-digit touchdowns. Also, his special connection with Mahomes makes a difference, too. When things get tough, Mahomes is looking for Kelce. And it doesn’t seem to matter if the defense is looking for Kelce as well.
What about distractions?
Many NFL fans are sick and tired of Travis Kelce’s main distraction: his high-profile girlfriend. I wouldn’t include her name in here, but Taylor Swift seems to add to the page views.
Kelce insists he’s still married to football, recently telling nfl.com he plans to keep going until he can’t.
“I’m gonna do it until the wheels fall off, and hopefully that doesn’t happen anytime soon,” Kelce said. “But I can definitely understand that it’s (closer) toward the end of the road than it is the beginning of it, and I just gotta make sure I’m set up for after football, as well.
“At the same time, I’m a football player. I love playing in the NFL. This will always be my main focus. But outside of that, football ends for everybody. So kind of dipping your toes in the water and seeing what you like in different areas and different career fields.”
Now doesn’t that sound like a guy who may have one foot out of bounds? Still, it’s not like Kelce couldn’t have one last hurrah season.
But when those mid-20s picks come around, I favor guys like Brandon Aiyuk, Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Jaylen Waddle, and maybe — just maybe — tight end Sam LaPorta.
