Travis Kelce outshone an entire NFL draft class: Analyst

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Travis Kelce outshone an entire NFL draft class: Analyst

Originally posted on KansasCityHuddle | By Evince Das | Last updated Jul 14, 2026 2:28 PM ET

Just days after celebrating his wedding to Taylor Swift, tight end Travis Kelce has another reason to celebrate. The Kansas City Chiefs star was recently named the biggest draft steal from the 2013 NFL Draft by one NFL analyst.

According to a report by Sports Illustrated, analyst Justin Melo revisited the best draft steals from the last 25 years. He picked one player from each draft class, and Kelce earned the honor for 2013.

“Travis Kelce has been imperative to the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty, establishing himself as an elite go-to playmaker for Patrick Mahomes,” Melo wrote.

Melo pointed to Kelce’s rise from a third-round pick to one of the NFL’s best tight ends. He also highlighted the veteran’s key role in helping the Chiefs build one of the league’s most successful teams.

“While winning three Super Bowl titles together. He’s a top-five tight end in NFL history and argues for the top spot,” Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated added.

He also ranked second in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns behind only DeAndre Hopkins.

Many evaluators viewed the 2013 draft class as lacking elite talent. On the other hand, several of its highest picks never developed into long-term stars. Kelce, however, emerged as one of the class’s defining players.

The recognition from Melo wasn’t the only honor Kelce received recently.

Travis Kelce extends remarkable NFL Top 100 streak

According to Grant Gordon of NFL.com, Travis Kelce also earned his 11th consecutive selection in the NFL’s Top 100 ranking list. He became just the third tight end to reach that mark.

The ranking is voted on by NFL players, showing the respect Kelce has earned around the league.

“Though the future Hall of Famer has lost a step, Kelce remains one of the elite tight ends in the league,” Gordon wrote. “He’s got at least one more season with the Chiefs… to wrap up what’s been one of the greatest careers in NFL history for a tight end.”

The veteran finished the 2025 season leading Kansas City in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

He also surpassed 13,000 career receiving yards, adding another milestone as he prepares for his 14th NFL season.

Kelce and Kansas City will start the 2026 season under the national spotlight. In Week 1, on September 14, the Chiefs will host the Broncos on Monday Night Football.

This article first appeared on KansasCityHuddle and was syndicated with permission.

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