Most around the NFL view Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs as the best tight end in the league following the retirement of Rob Gronkowski. The six-year veteran has been consistently good over his NFL career. He has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving during each of his last three seasons.
Kelce's best statistical season came in 2018. He recorded career highs in receptions (103), receiving yards (1,336), and touchdowns.
But you're probably not reading this to hear about Kelce's accomplishments.
Kelce's 2018 campaign was record-breaking. He was the all-time single-season leader in receiving yards for a tight end ... for about 20 minutes or so. That's how long it took George Kittle to surpass Kelce. The 49ers tight end now holds the title after finishing last year with 88 receptions for 1,377 yards with five touchdowns.
What is really impressive about Kittle's 2018 campaign is how good he was after the catch. 873 of his 1,377 yards last season came after the catch, according to Pro Football Focus. That was the most in the NFL (any position) and 230 more than Kelce, who ranked No. 2 in the category among tight ends.
Mike Sando of ESPN spoke with top decision-makers around the NFL during the recent league meetings. While there is no doubt that Kittle belongs in the conversation of the best tight end in football, most around the NFL seem to believe that mantle now belongs to Kelce with Zach Ertz close behind. The two have just been doing it longer.
"Kittle is good, but like many of the players who have been with Kyle Shanahan, he should feel blessed," one general manager told Sando. "I mean, look at what Kyle did with the backs in Atlanta. Look at what he did with Matt Ryan."
Sando asked the 49ers head coach about his Pro Bowl tight end.
"To be a good tight end, you have to be a good blocker or at least you have to be a threat as a blocker," Shanahan said. "Otherwise, they will put a nickelback on you, they will put corners on you. It is when you can beat all safeties and linebackers in man-to-man coverage, yet you are a good blocker so they cannot put a nickelback on the field. George had the best year ever statistically, and I think he can get a lot better."
He may not be viewed as the best tight end in football yet, but there is no doubt that Kittle is special and among the best young players at his position. He'll likely need to remain consistent for a couple more years before those around the NFL are ready to discuss placing him above a player like Kelce.
Kittle is probably up for the challenge.
