Travis Kelce Receives Praise From Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid
By Josh Sanchez
The Kansas City Chiefs spent a third-round selection on former Cincinnati Bearcats tight end Travis Kelce in the 2013 NFL Draft in hopes of finding a gem. There was no denying Kelce’s talent and the Chiefs coaching staff has been very impressed with his performance during rookie minicamp and OTAs. Kansas City has lined Kelce up in a number of spots throughout the offseason workouts as they look to find the best places to use him and create mismatches.
Kelce has been so impressive that head coach Andy Reid has given a lot of praise for his rookie and going as far as to compare him to Giants, Saints and Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey because of his style of play and potential.
“He gives you another offensive threat, somebody that the defense will have to honor by speed and athletic ability,’’ Reid said, via the Kansas City Star. “They moved him (in college) all around so he doesn’t have to play in line. You can move him out as a wide receiver in that position and he’s a legitimate receiver from that spot.”
Kelce will likely serve the Shockey-like role in the Chiefs offense and he embraces that opportunity.
“I would like to think I’m a different breed of player, someone that can get after a guy in the run game, but at the same time catch a ball and go 80 to the house,’’ Kelce said. “I think the Chiefs are going to get someone who is very versatile and if I had to possibly choose one guy (to compare himself to), I would choose Jeremy Shockey just the way he plays with passion and energy. I think that would be an awesome comparison.”
With fellow tight end Tony Moeaki sidelined until training camp while he recovers from his injuries, Kelce will have every opportunity to continue to impress his coaches.
If Kelce can continue to put together a solid offseason, he could be one of the league’s breakout stars in 2013. Kansas City certainly has big plans for him.