Top 3 Prospects the Chiefs Should Target at the 2026 NFL Combine Amid Travis Kelce’s Uncertainty

Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs have not said “I do” for the 2026 season. As such, with the NFL draft buildup starting up, the tight end now has to compete with some of the rookie prospects for the respect of Brett Veach.

With Kelce’s future unknown, blowing off the tight ends at the NFL combine wouldn’t make much sense if Kelce were to retire and leave Veach with catch-up work. As such, taking a look at the tight end class makes sense, even if Kelce could still return.

Here’s a look at the top three tight ends that could give the Chiefs a head start on turning the page away from the Kelce era.

Potential Travis Kelce Replacements That Make Sense At 2026 NFL Combine

#3 – Sam Roush, Stanford Cardinal

Sam Roush has shown loyalty, playing all four years of his FBS career at Stanford. In those years, his production has only increased, starting with two catches for 34 yards as a freshman. In 2025, after steady improvement, Roush earned 49 catches for 545 yards and two touchdowns, setting or tying personal bests.

Such a history of improvement sets up the Kansas City Chiefs to receive someone who could get better over time, which would be a refreshing change of pace after bracing for and experiencing the eventual Travis Kelce decline.

#2 – Justin Joly, North Carolina State Wolfpack

Justin Joly split his four years in college in half, spending two years with the Connecticut Huskies and North Carolina State. In 2024, Joly was more productive in open space, earning 15.4 yards per catch and 661 yards. In 2025, Joly was more productive in the red zone, earning 489 yards and seven touchdowns.

If the Kansas City Chiefs can get Joly to perform in space and in the red zone, the team would have the chance not to miss a beat without Travis Kelce.

#1 – Tanner Koziol, Houston Cougars

Tanner Koziol, who was invited to the Senior Bowl, produced at a high level at Ball State and with the Houston Cougars. Koziol’s 74 catches led the Big 12, and the tight end earned 94 catches the previous season. In his final two college seasons, he earned 14 touchdowns and well over 1,500 yards on 168 catches.

If there is a tight end who has any chance to replace Travis Kelce, Koziol appears to be about as good as it gets this year.

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