Chiefs 2023 Schedule: Ranking Opposing Tight Ends

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The Kansas City Chiefs face numerous star-studded opponents in 2023. As a defending Super Bowl champion and 2022 division winner, you would expect to see them face plenty of top teams. More importantly, there are a plethora of tremendous one-on-one matchups to circle among individual players on the Chiefs schedule. Kansas City boasts one of the most exciting rosters in the league. Though, this is a perfect time to look into some of the best players that the Chiefs will face from opposing teams.

So far, we ranked both the opposing pass rush groups and the opposing cornerbacks on the Kansas City schedule. Those are the only two defensive groups that we will rank, overall. Now, we move to the offensive side of the ball, looking at the tight end position. The Chiefs possess the best tight end in the NFL in Travis Kelce. However, a few dominant tight ends await on Kansas City’s 2023 docket.

Who are the best tight ends that the Chiefs will face this upcoming season? We will list the top five names from 2023 opponents, starting with number one. Let’s kick it off.

1. Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles

Dallas Goedert has quietly been one of the more efficient tight ends, when healthy. Outside of the top names like Kelce, George Kittle and Mark Andrews, Goedert has been as good as anybody for a couple of different categories. This includes yards after the catch and winning vertically in the middle of the field. Add in his sneaky quickness and toughness, and opposing defenders are left with an extremely challenging player to bring down.

The South Dakota State product returned from an injury late last season. In the final three regular season games and in the playoffs, Goedert became nearly unstoppable for the Eagles. That was obviously massive, given the strength of the Philadelphia wide receiver room already. It seemed that he was coming down with any contested catch, no matter how tight the coverage was.

2. TJ Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings

TJ Hockenson has long been a productive tight end. As a Detroit Lion, the Iowa product registered just over 2,000 receiving yards in three and a half seasons, or 47 games. Hockenson was shockingly traded inside the NFC North division last year, going to the Minnesota Vikings. As Minnesota had hoped, that production continued to be strong and steady after changing to a purple jersey. He had 60 receptions and 519 receiving yards in 10 regular season games with the Vikings. On top of that, Minnesota may have been eliminated in the Wild Card round disappointingly, but Hockenson went off for 10 receptions and 129 receiving yards in that playoff contest.

What makes Hockenson so dangerous is his instincts and adjustments, both at the catch point and in space. He can be just as effective in short yardage situations, as he is when attacking vertically and utilizing yards after the catch. Finally, Hockenson does not always have to create ample separation, winning with power against contact or in tight areas.

3. Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars

Evan Engram had an up-and-down run with the New York Giants, overall. There was always a greater ceiling to be reached with the Ole Miss product. Despite varied amounts of production, Engram became more technically sound by the end of his Giants tenure. Then he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. It is well-documented how much Doug Pederson utilizes his tight ends. Add in the chance to help Trevor Lawrence take the next step, and Engram was gifted a tremendous opportunity.

Not only did Engram take advantage of that, but he broke out in his sixth career season. He set new single-season career highs in receptions (73), receiving yards (766) and catch percentage (74.5 percent). He also got to move around the formation and into the slot, freeing up easy space to attack after the catch.

4. Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills

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Dawson Knox is a bit of an underrated pass catcher in the NFL. He is not among the elite tight ends in the league. Yet, there have been plenty of flashes that show just how frustrating Knox can be for opposing defenses. His ability to find the soft spots in coverage, realize leverage points and sit in space make life so easy for his quarterback. Meanwhile, Knox offers more flexibility and explosiveness than most may realize.

It will be fascinating to see how the Bills attack defenses with rookie tight Dalton Kincaid joining Knox at the position. Buffalo has long been one of the most consistent users out of 11 personnel. Perhaps, Knox sees a new spike in production with Kincaid joining the fray and possible new offensive looks for the Bills.

5. Tyler Conklin, New York Jets

The fifth and final spot on this list was admittedly challenging to pinpoint. Greg Dulcich of the Broncos truly shined in a horrific Denver offense last year, once he got healthy. We still need to see more reps from him, though. Instead, Tyler Conklin was the pick. This may be surprising to see him ranked in this top five group. Nevertheless, his recent trends indicate plenty of positive progression in his career.

Conklin managed a combined 1,145 receiving yards, 119 receptions and six receiving touchdowns over the last two seasons. After joining the New York Jets last year, Conklin grew into the clear TE1, despite the offseason signing of CJ Uzomah. New York saw him become a key security blanket inside of an anticlimactic offense. Now with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback, Conklin could produce even more this year than he did in his last two years, which were impressive enough already.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis in the coming days. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.