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When it comes time for your 2014 Fantasy Football draft, the name Travis Kelce is probably not on your list. If that is the case, it’s time for the Kansas City Chiefs second-year tight end to start gaining consideration.
Kelce’s rookie year was put on hold due to a knee injury that sidelined him for the entire season. The former Cincinnati Bearcat is now healthy and has taken advantage of every single snap he’s received in the preseason so far.
He’s taken notes from his brother Jason Kelce, the center for the Philadelphia Eagles, as he has been the center of attention thus far in 2014. In Kansas City’s first two games, Kelce has been nothing short of spectacular, leading all Chiefs with 136 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Currently, Anthony Fasano is the starting tight end in Kansas City, leaving Kelce to play against backups. But if he keeps this pace up, coach Andy Reid will have a hard time not giving him reps with the first-team offense.
Outside of Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs are extremely limited at receiver. The run game is established with Jamaal Charles. But in order to gain a more balanced offense, quarterback Alex Smith will need to be given legitimate weapons to throw to. Kelce can definitely be a piece to that equation. If the young tight end keeps up this level of play, he will get his snaps come the regular season.
When that happens, Kelce will be a solid contributor at tight end in bigger fantasy leagues. He’s not going to put up Jimmy Graham numbers, or even top-five stats for that matter. But he should finish around 12th among tight ends, giving him large-league starter or bye-week filler value. Chances are, he won’t be drafted in most leagues, meaning if you miss out on the tight end you wanted, he’s available for an early visit with the waivers.
Happy Drafting.
