Chiefs 2nd-Stringer Playing Like a Future Starter at Camp

Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) laughs with tight end Noah Gray (83) during warm ups against the Houston Texans prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) laughs with tight end Noah Gray (83) during warm ups against the Houston Texans prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs look to have one of their deepest skill position groups in Patrick Mahomes' tenure with the team early in training camp. Players such as Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and JuJu Smith-Schuster have been what fans expected. While Tyquan Thornton, Nikko Remigio, and rookie Jalen Royals have impressed.

That said, Chiefs fans have high expectations for the tight end room, like they always do. Future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce is looking for a bounce-back season in the twilight of his career. Moreover, Noah Gray is looking to build off a strong 2024 campaign.

The 26-year-old seems to be on track to do exactly that. During Tuesday's practice, Gray ran a beautiful double move on Jaden Hicks in 1-on-1s. Watching Gray work his magic gives Chiefs fans a glimpse of what their tight end room may look like post-Kelce.

Noah Gray Continues to Show Why He's the Future at TE for the Chiefs

Last year, Chiefs Kingdom saw the 26-year-old breakout at the TE2 spot. In 2024, Gray recorded 40 receptions on 49 targets for 437 yards and five touchdowns. Furthermore, he recorded a solid run-blocking grade of 61.2, according to PFF.

Given that Kelce took a step back in 2024, Gray's uptick in production and reliable hands provided Mahomes another trustworthy target. Still, the former Duke Blue Devil needed to continue improving his route running if he wants to be the unquestioned successor to Kelce.

Even so, Kansas City gave Gray a three-year extension worth $19.5 million in the middle of last season. In addition to running that nasty route on Hicks, Gray has been a red zone machine catching touchdowns in camp. Therefore, the Chiefs' front office can be even more confident in that decision.

Though Kansas City is set to have a stacked wide receiver room in 2025, having two capable tight ends only helps the offense. As it will allow them to run a mix of two tight end sets with two of their speedy receivers and even run five wide sets with three receivers and two tight ends.

Chiefs Kingdom is excited to see what Gray has in store for the 2025 season.

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