Robert Tonyan might be turning training camp buzz into a real roster role

Training camp success should not be overblown. That is especially true this early in the calendar of training camp practices. However, it is always more enticing to see names that may be under the radar performing well at training camp.

Tight end Robert Tonyan has been able to create a buzz so far for Kansas City. Travis Kelce will continue to garner plenty of reps at the top of the depth chart. Noah Gray is also heavily trusted by the Chiefs' coaching staff. But when it comes to fighting for that third tight end role, Robert Tonyan is making his presence felt.

Tonyan had an impressive stretch for a handful of seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Since then, he has had brief stints with other NFC North teams in Chicago and Minnesota. The Chiefs also had him as part of their practice squad late last season. Now, he is looking to get a real chance with the Kansas City offense.

It may not be as many reps or targets as Kelce or Gray—not even close. But if he can continue to show out in training camp, perhaps Tonyan is someone who can benefit from opportunities in prime down-and-distance chances. The role of the third tight end in the Patrick Mahomes era has been especially plentiful on red zone snaps, as well as in between the 30s.

Veteran tight end Robert Tonyan has stood out in Chiefs training camp so far.

Names like Anthony Fasano and Sean McGrath enjoyed fine spurts as tertiary depth options at tight end during the early Andy Reid days in Kansas City. Behind Kelce, Demetrius Harris and Jody Fortson were given lengthy leashes as trusted depth pieces in the system. A handful of others have also had random weeks where they were given added moments to shine.

That makes Tonyan even more intriguing as training camp wears on. As a veteran, he understands the entirety of what comes with the role of a depth tight end. Tonyan may have to block just as often as he runs routes if he were to make the team. But also, the role he could earn may lead to targets in some of Reid's most dangerous plays.

Being the checkdown option on an inside screen or even on routes over the middle is always going to be there with Mahomes. He sees the field so well and will fight to keep plays alive. As a result, any eligible receiver should always be prepared for him to go your way. Even if you are the third or fourth option in the passing concept, Mahomes will find you.

Tonyan has the build that other depth tight ends have possessed in Kansas City. He is dense and high-waisted. Overall, that can lead to chances to add yards after the catch via broken tackles or whiffs from defenders. Tonyan had plenty of reps early in his Green Bay days where he outmuscled opponents. That came after the catch. Additionally, Tonyan provided that in moments where he was required to make tight catches.

If he can fend off names like Jake Briningstool and outshine someone like Jared Wiley over the next month, Tonyan is another veteran who should easily become trustworthy. The Chiefs' offense needs as many explosive options as they can get. Even if his production is modest at best, Tonyan can still offer potential big plays in a variety of ways. Coach Reid has shown he can dial it up with anyone who has filled his TE3 spot before.