The Kansas City Chiefs have a knack for turning overlooked talent into gold, and their latest undrafted tight ends, Jake Briningstool and Tre Watson, could be the next to shine in a stunning twist. While Briningstool starts training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the buzz around his potential—and Watson’s—stems from more than just their own skills. It’s rooted in Kansas City’s proven track record of transforming raw prospects into key contributors at the tight end position, a legacy headlined by none other than Travis Kelce, arguably the greatest to ever play the role.
The Chiefs’ front office and coaching staff have consistently worked magic with undrafted or under-the-radar tight ends, molding them into reliable pieces of their high-powered offense. Let’s take a closer look at the players who paved the way for Briningstool and Watson, proving that Kansas City is the place where long shots can become legends.
Jody Fortson’s journey began as a wide receiver at Valdosta State, where his raw athleticism caught the Chiefs’ eye in 2019. Transitioning to tight end, Fortson spent years honing his craft on the practice squad, patiently waiting for his moment. His persistence paid off as he emerged as a red-zone threat behind Kelce, showcasing his potential with clutch catches. Injuries may have limited his production, but Fortson’s rise from obscurity to contributor set a blueprint for what’s possible in Kansas City.
Undrafted out of Western Kentucky, Deon Yelder initially signed with the New Orleans Saints before landing in Kansas City. From 2018 to 2020, he provided steady depth behind Kelce, appearing in 26 games. While he was never the focal point of the offense, Yelder’s reliability as a backup tight end highlighted the Chiefs’ ability to maximize even the most unheralded talents.
Perhaps no story is as remarkable as Demetrius Harris’s. A college basketball player with zero college football experience, Harris was a true project when the Chiefs signed him after the 2013 NFL Draft. Over five seasons, he transformed into a dependable No. 2 tight end, racking up 57 receptions, 605 yards, and 6 touchdowns in 80 games. His athleticism and work ethic turned him into a multi-year contributor, proving Kansas City’s coaching staff can sculpt raw potential into NFL-caliber production.
Nick Keizer, an undrafted free agent from Grand Valley State, started his career with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Chiefs in 2019. After grinding on the practice squad, he earned a spot on the 53-man roster in 2020, appearing in 16 games with 8 starts. While his role leaned heavily on blocking and special teams, Keizer’s ascent from obscurity to a key rotational player underscored the Chiefs’ knack for finding value where others see none.
Jake Briningstool and Tre Watson aren’t just relying on the Chiefs’ development pipeline—they’re bringing their own firepower. Briningstool, in particular, was a head-scratching undrafted free agent after a stellar college career at Clemson, where he recorded 124 catches, 1,313 yards, and 16 touchdowns over three seasons. His sure hands and playmaking ability make him a natural fit for Kansas City’s dynamic offense. Watson, meanwhile, offers similar upside, and both rookies are poised to capitalize on the Chiefs’ history of elevating tight ends.
The Chiefs’ system, led by Andy Reid and a coaching staff renowned for creativity, is tailor-made for players like Briningstool and Watson. With Kelce still anchoring the position, these undrafted rookies have a chance to learn from the best while carving out their own roles. Whether it’s as red-zone threats, reliable blockers, or special-teams standouts, the path to the roster is clear—Kansas City has done it before, and they can do it again.
As training camp unfolds, keep an eye on Briningstool and Watson. If history is any indication, one of these under-the-radar tight ends could steal a roster spot in a stunning twist, continuing the Chiefs’ tradition of turning diamonds in the rough into NFL contributors. The stage is set, and the opportunity is theirs to seize.