Travis Kelce has one condition for Chiefs rookies

For the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, the Kansas City Chiefs didn’t make the playoffs. In fact, their superstar quarterback couldn’t even finish the season on the field.

Considering that, what they do with picks No. 9 and 29 in the NFL Draft can make or break their aspirations of going back to the mountaintop in what might be Travis Kelce’s last year as a pro. That’s why, even though he won’t have an input on whatever decisions general manager Brett Veach does, Kelce still wants his voice to be heard.

Talking to his brother Jason on their "New Heights" podcast, the future Hall of Famer shared his thoughts on the type of players he wants the Chiefs to get in the NFL Draft.

Travis Kelce wants passionate players for the Chiefs 

"I'm just hoping for a guy that loves ball, man," Kelce said. "I think one of the things that you just want to have when you get back into the building after a season like last year, man, you just want guys that love what they're [expletive] doing. I think it's one of the things that I look for in these young guys when they come in, is just how infectious is your energy? I need that out of these young guys."

While he acknowledged that some young players need more time than others to show their true colors, he firmly believes Andy Reid is the right guy to bring the best out in rookies.

"Sometimes, it takes a little bit for a guy to get comfortable in his shoes and to really show his personality, but Coach [Andy] Reid says it best: We want you to show that personality. We want you to be yourself and bring the energy to the building," Kelce added.

Of course, skills and talent matter, but the Chiefs have usually been great at identifying that. Character, on the other hand, might be a different story.

The Chiefs can’t afford to drop the ball with these selections, especially the first two. They need to add pass protection for Mahomes and someone to replace Trent McDuffie, but they could also use another playmaker for the offense.

Whatever the case, Kelce just wants the rookies to be in love with the game. That may sound simplistic or like a P.R.-trained response, but he’s done this long enough to realize who wants it and who doesn’t.