Chiefs' NFL Combine interviews show K.C. seeks the next big thing at an aging position group

The Kansas City Chiefs are doing their homework on tight ends at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.

As prospect media availability continues in Indianapolis, A to Z Sports has learned that the Chiefs have held formal interviews with a pair of intriguing tight end prospects. Texas TE Ja'Tavion Sanders and Penn State TE Theo Johnson both reported to media members that they had met formally with Kansas City at the combine. 

It shouldn't come as a major shock to learn that the Chiefs are doing homework on the tight end position. They boast one of the youngest rosters in the NFL, but their tight end room is quickly aging. Their superstar at the position, Travis Kelce, will be 35 years old during the 2024 NFL season. Blake Bell is an unrestricted free agent and is set to turn 33 years old in 2024.

Noah Gray is only 24 years old, but he's approaching a contract year in 2024, which could lead to his exit in 2025. Outside of that, UDFA TE Izaiah Gathings is the only player under contract at the position. He's never played a snap in an NFL regular season game. Suddenly, this position group is looking quite thin for Kansas City.

The tight end group became quite important during the team's postseason run this past season, with 12 and 13 personnel rates increasing as the team leaned further on the running game. The Chiefs don't just need more bodies at this position group, but they also need to get younger and create a plan for the future.

How does Ja'Tavion Sanders fit with the Chiefs?

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 256 pounds, Sanders' game is more reminiscent of an H-back than a traditional tight end. He can line up in line, on the wings, in the slot, or even out wide. The 20-year-old boasts impressive speed for the position, telling reporters that he expects to run a low 4.6s 40-yard dash. 

Here's what I wrote about Sanders back in September:

Sanders can certainly replicate Kelce's success in the passing game. He's a plus athlete with tackle-breaking ability after the catch. He's quite adept at lining up in the slot, finding space, making a catch, and turning upfield for extra yardage against zone coverage. He can be isolated on the single receiver side opposite 3x1 formations and do some nice things to get vertical against man coverage. Even when he doesn't get a ton of separation, he's willing to get up and make a contested grab in coverage. He's also better lining up in-line as a blocker than he gets credit for, just like Kelce. 

Medicals will be a big key for Sanders as he dealt with a lower leg injury last season, but if it all checks out, he could certainly be in play for Kansas City.

How does Theo Johnson fit with the Chiefs?

Where Ja'Tavion Sanders fits the new-age mold at the tight end position, Johnson can fill more traditional roles as well. At 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds, his blend of size, power, and speed makes him more effective as an in-line blocker, but he can also be used as a mismatch in the passing game. 

Asked about one play from 2023 that would most reflect his skill set, he named a touchdown reception against the Michigan State Spartans.

"I would say my touchdown against Michigan State," Johnson told A to Z Sports' Jarrett Bailey. "I ran a route that requires you to be able to dissect coverages. Not only pre-snap, but post-snap and make a high-level decision full-speed throughout the play. I think that not only showcases my abilities mentally, but physically to be able to make a contested catch."