KC Chiefs: Potential tight end draft prospects to look at in 2021 NFL Draft
By John McCarty
KC Chiefs Tight End Prospects – Zaire Mitchell (Notre Dame College)
First off, no, he doesn’t go to Notre Dame, but Notre Dame College. The 6’7″, 250-pound Division II prospect is an intriguing name to watch and follow. Zaire Mitchell was asked to do almost everything for his offense, often lining up as a receiver, a true tight end, and occasionally in the backfield. During his junior season, he recorded 53 receptions, 573 yards, and six touchdowns. As a freshman, he was even asked to help return kickoffs on occasion.
Mitchell, albeit at the D2 level, moves and runs and looks like a Travis Kelce. Big and physical, he shows an ability to run with defensive backs while also running away from linebackers. A willing physical blocker, his technique could use some help but is willing to block and has the physical size to do it.
The concern with Mitchell, for a team wanting to compete for Super Bowl glory on a yearly basis, how patient are the Chiefs willing to be? The offense is likely far more complex than the one he has had in college and the speed is as well. However, considering the presence of Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, and Andy Reid, if he found his way into the Chiefs’ locker room, Reid could find a way to utilize his skillset.
Zaire Mitchell might not be on many teams’ radars, but don’t put it past Brett Veach to find this diamond in the rough.
Where do the KC Chiefs add a tight end in the 2021 draft?
As it sits today, a pass-catcher of some kind will be the top target in the draft for the Chiefs. The question though is this: Will it be a receiver or a tight end? Honestly, the easy answer is that it just depends on what the board looks like when the Chiefs are on the clock.
Using two tight ends could allow Kelce to work more as a receiver, keeping his body fresh as he gets older. It would also allow the Chiefs versatile receiving threats, as Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman would work deep down the field.
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If the Chiefs don’t get a tight end early, do they look for a target later, such as a blocking tight end in Jake Ferguson, an oversized receiver such as Yeboah, or the developmental type in Mitchell? No tight ends on the roster outside of Kelce have delivered this season so the opportunity for the Chiefs to find someone and the opportunity for someone to make the roster is present.