Stacking Kelce and Kittle makes this offense almost impossible to defend. In 2018, Kittle set an NFL record with 1,377 receiving yards at tight end. Last season, Kelce eclipsed that mark with 1,416 receiving yards in just 15 games. The Chiefs star outpaced every wide receiver outside of Stefon Diggs (1,535) in the category. Kittle missed eight games in 2020, but he still averaged 79.3 receiving yards per, good for second among tight ends behind Kelce (94.4). Kittle can provide elite receiving and run-after-catch ability, while also being a devastating run blocker. Gronkowski is a shell of his former self, but he can still contribute as a receiver (see: two touchdowns in Super Bowl LV) and as a blocker. Plus, a locker room with Kelce, Kittle and Gronk would be a happy one. Sometimes, the cap makes decisions for us. Griffin made it over teammate Adam Trautman because I needed a little extra cap space elsewhere on the roster. Trautman was PFF’s highest-graded run-blocking tight end by a wide margin (5.9 points) in 2020, while Griffin ranked ninth (in 58 run-blocking snaps).
Others considered: Darren Waller (Raiders), Mark Andrews (Ravens), Dallas Goedert (Eagles), Mike Gesicki (Dolphins), Jonnu Smith (Patriots), Adam Trautman (Saints).
Toughest decision: Doubling up on the superstar tight ends, rather than picking one and using the leftover dough at a different position. Having the Kelce-Kittle duo essentially makes up for the lack of an elite WR1.
