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The Kansas City Chiefs have equipped themselves with an ambitious array of depth at various positions in training camp. The veteran talent was brought in during the offseason, and several additions trying to earn a roster spot for the 2021 season.
Chiefs tight end Blake Bell is one of the veterans signed during the 2020 offseason to help solidify the impressive tight end room. All-Pro Travis Kelce leads the Chiefs’ position group, but it also features rookie upstart Noah Gray, converted wide receiver Jody Fortson and journeyman Evan Baylis. The new faces are hoping to make the team while learning the job and its nuances in Kansas City.
Bell shared his thoughts on the crowded tight-end room on Monday. He told reporters that he believes that the group is filled with potential.
”Yeah, it’s awesome,” said Bell. “When you’ve got guys, availability because these camps can be tough. A lot of reps, you’ve just got to get through it. Jody [Fortson] and Noah [Gray], they’re doing a great job honestly. Man, they’re putting in the work, and when you’ve got a guy like Trav [Travis Kelce] in the room, you know, he can coach us up, teach us up, even on the field. He’s the best in the game, so it’s great.”
One of the popular formations discussed in camp has been the prospect of 13 personnel, with the offense using three tight ends on the field at once. Bell enjoys the look it gives head coach Andy Reid’s offense.
”Oh, it’s great man,” said Bell. “Anytime you can get a bunch of tight ends on the field, I love that. But yeah, it’s awesome. Coach Reid and the staff, they do a good job of putting us out there and putting us in good situations. You know, we line up and do our job, so got to love it.”
The talk after the draft was all about the potential impact of Noah Gray on the offense. The former Duke star had a rough preseason opener on Saturday, recording no catches and bobbling a pass thrown behind him that ended in an interception.
”Noah, the way he can move and run routes, it’s impressive,” Bell said of the rookie tight end. “Seeing a guy like that come in and do what he’s doing right now, it’s awesome. It’s great for the team, so having him out there and obviously with Trav, too, it’s just hard for the defense. They don’t know if you’re going to run the ball, split out, and run a route.”
The possibility of formations using multiple tight ends seems limitless, which makes for good news come roster cuts. The growth of this position group as a whole in Kansas City could have a ripple effect heading into the new season.
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