'I don't really want any comparisons' - UDFA TE Jake Briningstool is ready to blaze his own trail with the Chiefs

Former Clemson Tigers tight end Jake Briningstool is one of several players that have participated in Kansas City Chiefs rookie minicamp this past weekend.

Briningstool went undrafted, but the Chiefs quickly signed him after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft. Over the last three years at Clemson, Briningstool recorded 124 receptions (a school record) for 1,313 yards and 16 touchdowns.

At 6-foot-6 and 241 pounds, he has the physical traits teams like in a tight end. We have a long way to go to see if he can develop his game enough to make Kansas City's 53-man roster come September, but he has a good TE room to learn from.

Of course, that room is led by future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce, who could be entering the final year of his career. Kelce has a reputation for being a hard worker and bringing energy to the team, which has established him as a leader. While speaking to the media during Chiefs rookie minicamp on Sunday, Briningstool said he's used to championship culture and players competition at a high level.

"I played at Clemson, so I think just being around championship culture, being around championship team, guys that compete at a high level, guys that love to win, I think that's really what attracted me the most (to the Chiefs)," Briningstool said. "Just being able to come in here and compete with guys who have done it at the highest level and also been very successful, and a team that competes for championships. It's something I want to be a part of."

As far as the inevitable comparisons to Kelce, Briningstool nipped it in the bud quickly, stating that he wants to be his own player.

"I don't really want any comparisons," Briningstool said. "I kind to be my own player. He's (Kelce) had a Hall of Fame career, and that's something I could look up to and learn from. But, I want to be my own player, and be able to create a name for myself, and also be able to learn from somebody that's done it at such a high level. I think it's really exciting for me, and also something I'm really looking forward to."

If he does make the team this fall, Briningstool may not contribute much as a rookie with Kelce and Noah Gray as the top two guys. However, if 2025 really is the last ride for Kelce, Briningstool could step up and make an impact in 2026. Veteran Robert Tonyan and second-year man Jared Wiley are also in the mix at TE this year.