KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- We’re continuing our look at the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster with the tight ends.
2014 starts for the Chiefs: Anthony Fasano 13, Travis Kelce 11, Demetrius Harris 3, Richard Gordon 1, Phillip Supernaw 1.
2014 snaps for the Chiefs: Fasano 638, Kelce 634, Harris 59, Gordon 17, Supernaw 17.
Others on roster who didn’t play for Chiefs in 2014: Brandon Barden, Adam Schiltz.
Potential free agent: Gordon.
2014 recap: The tight end returned as a big part of the Chiefs’ passing game for the first time since they traded Tony Gonzalez after the 2008 season. Kelce led the Chiefs in receiving (67 catches) and yards (862) and tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (five). The Chiefs were extremely effective in the season’s first half, when they used three-tight end formations that featured Kelce, Fasano and Harris. But Harris broke his foot midway through the season and didn’t play in the final eight games, and Fasano also battled injuries through the last two months of the season, so Kelce had to carry the burden the rest of the way.
Looking ahead to 2015: If Kelce stays healthy, it would be a disappointment if he doesn’t significantly see an increase in his receiving numbers. Harris has value, too. He played basketball in college and is still learning his new craft, but could still develop into a receiving threat. Fasano still has value. Seven of the 48 catches he has made in his two seasons with the Chiefs scored touchdowns. But he’ll be 31 in April and injuries have taken a toll. Kelce played four fewer snaps than Fasano last season, but that can’t happen again. The Chiefs need to build this position around Kelce.
