'Dumb ass' to all-time great: How did Travis Kelce fall to Pick No. 63?

The NFL scouting community talked to coaches at Cincinnati and didn't like what they heard. John Dorsey, however, took a chance and, by God, did it pay off. Bob McGinn has the story.

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This is the sixth part of a series looking at active players and their current situation vis a vis what it was entering the NFL draft. The comments from personnel men were made in the months leading up to the draft for my NFL Draft Series, which dates to 1985. Scouting football prospects is an inexact science, especially when it comes to off-the-field considerations. It has been said that no two evaluators view a player exactly the same way.

Today, Travis Kelce sits atop the football world, a decade removed from the widespread reservation in the scouting community whether he possessed the work ethic, temperament and overall character deemed essential for a successful career in the NFL.

The hapless Kansas City Chiefs took a chance on Kelce, the tight end from the University of Cincinnati who had started in just one of his turbulent five collegiate seasons. They drafted him with the opening selection of the third round in 2013.

Whereas many teams dismissed Kelce as a headstrong, hard-to-coach prospect with multiple failed drug tests, the Chiefs made an effort to dig deeper into him as a person and player. When the Chiefs’ turn arrived at pick No. 63, Kelce was their no-doubt choice.

“Piece of cake,” said John Dorsey, who as Chiefs’ general manager from 2013-’17 had contractual authority over those five drafts. “That was like a no-brainer.”

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Ron Wolf, the Hall of Fame general manager, served as Dorsey’s boss for a decade in Green Bay. He once said that probably the most unique aspect of Dorsey’s skills as an evaluator was his ability to read people and uncover vital information regarding character.

The coaching and support staffs at Cincinnati were unusually uncomplimentary toward Kelce in their private discussions with NFL personnel. At that point some teams with passing interest in a tight end probably stopped considering Kelce, but the Chiefs needed a tight end and Dorsey took it upon himself to investigate Kelce that spring.

“That’s fine,” Dorsey said, referring to the negative vibe coming from inside the Bearcats. “But I knew one coach (at UC) that really loved him. I actually went to his high school, and they loved him there. Once I met him, I thought he was a real football player. I know good dudes, and he’s a good dude.

“Maybe a tad immature. He just needed strong direction, and he would have that with the head coach.”

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Andy Reid and Dorsey were hired early in 2013 to rebuild a franchise that had four seasons of four or fewer wins in the previous six years. The Chiefs were 2-14 in 2012.

Reid coached tight ends in Green Bay from 1992-’96 when Mark Chmura and Keith Jackson each made the Pro Bowl. More importantly, he had just finished coaching Kelce’s old brother, Jason, in Philadelphia.

“The discussion in the organization was … there was uncertainty from the tight ends coach,” Dorsey said, referring to Tom Melvin. “The head coach (Reid) was OK with it only because he knew his brother. After that, it was a slam dunk.”

That spring, Dorsey convened what he described as a “come to Jesus” meeting with Kelce, Reid and him. In his five seasons with the Chiefs, Dorsey said Kelce never was a problem.

“No, no, no, no,” said Dorsey, now senior personnel executive with the Detroit Lions. “He’s a model player now. As I always tell people, you ever been 22 before? You make mistakes.

“You know what he loves? He loves, and I mean loves, football. I could see it. All you’ve got to do is talk to him and you know that.”

Besides Kelce, Dorsey during his five drafts in Kansas City also was responsible for selecting defensive tackle Chris Jones (second round, 2016), wide receiver Tyreek Hill (fifth round, 2016) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (first round, 2017). All four might one day end up in the Hall of Fame.

BASICS

Height: 6-4 7/8. Weight: 250 (255 at 2013 combine). Age: 34. From: Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

40-yard dash: 4.63. Vertical jump: 35. Broad jump: 10-4. Bench press: None. Short shuttle: 4.44. Three cone: 7.10. Wonderlic test: 22. Arms: 33 ¾. Hands: 9 5/8.

Kelce underwent sports hernia surgery Jan. 20 and was unable to work out at the Combine Feb. 28 or Cincinnati Pro Day March 13. He did work out for teams April 4.

Three-star recruit as a quarterback at Cleveland Heights High School. Accepted an offer from Cincinnati over others from Pitt, North Carolina, Kansas, Miami (Ohio), Eastern Michigan and Akron. Also played basketball and baseball; had some offers in basketball.

Played quarterback on the scout team as a redshirt in 2008. Listed on the depth chart at tight end in 2009 and played in 11 games, mostly as a “wildcat” quarterback. Caught one pass.

Failed a drug test on the eve of the Sugar Bowl in January 2010 and was suspended. Later, he was suspended for the entire 2010 season for failed drug tests.

Backup tight end in 2011, catching 13 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Made 13 starts as a fifth-year senior in 2012, leading the Bearcats in receiving with 45 receptions for 722 yards (16.0) and eight TDs.

Kelce’s brother, Jason, who is 23 months older, walked on at Cincinnati as a linebacker in 2006 before moving to guard in 2007. He is in his 13th season as the decorated center for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The brothers’ grandfather, Don Blalock Sr., played football at Ohio University. Their uncle, Don Blalock, played defensive tackle at Purdue.

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DRAFT NIGHT

From one of the worst drafts in history, the Chiefs wound up with tackle Eric Fisher of Central Michigan as the No. 1 overall selection. In March, they had traded their second-round pick to San Francisco for quarterback Alex Smith.

The Chiefs needed a tight end because incumbent Tony Moeaki was coming off knee surgery and the only other player of merit was free agent Anthony Fasano.

When the Chiefs’ turn arrived at the start of Round 3 (No. 63), four tight ends already had been taken: Tyler Eifert to the Bengals (No. 21), Zach Ertz to the Eagles (No. 35), Gavin Escobar to the Cowboys (No. 47) and Vance McDonald to the 49ers (No. 55).

Kelce, the player eyed by the Chiefs, finished fourth in my pre-draft poll of 16 personnel people regarding the top tight ends. Eifert led with 63 points (15 first-place votes), followed by Ertz with 40 (one), Escobar with 22 and Kelce with 14. Two players, Jordan Reed and McDonald, were next with eight.

After the pick was made, Kelce acknowledged that he tested positive for marijuana in college, and it was the cause of his suspension.

“It was a suspended drug test for marijuana, it was a one-time thing,” Kelce told reporters in Kansas City. “I haven’t touched it since. I am a guy that is a clean-cut guy. I’m going to give the organization everything I can, and that’s that.

“It happened in the past and it is what it is, it’s in the past. I’m very remorseful and very prideful of who I am now, and that the Chiefs organization is going to get who I am today. I am not going to go back down the road that I went down.”

Reid had visited with Kelce several times when he came to Philadelphia to see his older brother.

“I believe he’s put that (drugs) behind him,” said Reid. “He’ll be the first to tell you it was an immature move that he made. He’s worked hard at doing the right things and has had a tremendous career. I had another tight end who I thought was pretty good from the University of Cincinnati in (Brent) Celek. Brent was a tough kid just like Travis is.”

Asked for a player Kelce reminded him of, Reid mentioned Jeremy Shockey.

“He’s not as big as ‘Gronk’ so he’s more on the Shockey mode,” said Reid. “He plays with that emotion. He shows his emotion during the game. He gets wound up … He gives you another offensive threat, somebody that the defense will have to honor by speed and athletic ability. He doesn’t have to play in-line. You can move him out as a wide receiver, and he’s a legitimate receiver from that spot.”

Asked to compare himself to NFL tight ends, Kelce replied: “I would like to think I’m a different breed of player. Someone that can get after a guy in the run game but at the same time catch a ball and go 80 yards to the house. I would choose Jeremy Shockey just the way he plays with passion and energy.”

NFL CAREER

Kelce’s rookie season consisted of one play on special teams. Tight ends Sean McGrath and Anthony Fasano combined for 49 receptions, 502 yards and five touchdowns as the Chiefs surprisingly made the playoffs with an 11-5 record. Kelce was sidelined by a minor knee injury.

In 2014, Kelce began his current streak of 10 seasons as a starter. In his 11 seasons the Chiefs own a record of 135-53 (.718), including 123-46 in the regular season and 12-7 in the playoffs. They have won the AFC West title seven straight times. Kelce has played in three Super Bowls, and the Chiefs have won two.

Kelce has been voted to eight straight Pro Bowls. He was a first-team selection on The Associated Press All-Pro team in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022.

Despite missing the first game of 2023 with a hyperextended knee, Kelce has 48 receptions for 499 yards and four touchdowns. Since his overtures toward pop superstar Taylor Swift led to a newfound relationship, he has been on a tear. With Swift watching four games, Kelce has averaged 108 receiving yards. His average in the other two games was 46.5, prompting Reid to say: “He’s getting better with time. Taylor can stay around all she wants.”

Kelce is on track to threaten his single-season highs of 1,416 yards in 2020 and 110 receptions and 12 touchdowns last season.

He’s also moving up in statistical career categories among tight ends. He’s fourth in receptions (862), fourth in receiving yards (10,869) and fifth in touchdowns (73). His average of 72.5 yards per game ranks first among tight ends; Rob Gronkowski is second at 64.9.

Ex-Chief Tony Gonzalez, who leads tight ends in receptions (1,325) and yards (15,127), played 270 games compared to Kelce’s 150.

“He always told me, ‘Mr. Dorsey, I want to be better than Tony Gonzalez,’” said Dorsey. “He’s better than Tony Gonzalez. He’s Top 5 (all-time).”

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WHAT SCOUTS SAID BEFORE THE DRAFT

NFC scout: “He has a lot of potential. He’s got some other issues. If he hadn’t gotten the sports hernia there was a chance he may have passed (Tyler) Eifert as the first tight end off the board. That won’t happen now because he hasn’t been able to do (much). He’s a talent. He can block and he can catch. He’s fast enough to get up the seam. He will get drafted a little bit later than he should and probably end up being a really good player.”

AFC scout: “I wouldn’t touch that guy. He’s a smart ass and he’s a dumb ass. Whatever ass you want to add belongs with his name. He’s got ability. I wouldn’t fool with him.”

NFC scout: “Bad guy.”

AFC scout: “He might be a stretch for some people but I like him. I see him as more of a (complete) player. He’s the second-best blocker (behind Dion Sims).”

AFC scout: “Has had some issues. Failed a drug test before the bowl game. Was suspended for the game and also suspended for the 2010 season because of drugs. Liked to party a lot. Not the most stable guy. Comes from a messed-up family and that hasn’t helped him any. Goofy, lazy kid that does not have the temper of his brother (Jason). They (Cincinnati officials) don’t think he has the love of the game that his brother has. Never puts in the time like he loves it. Is always just trying to skate by in football, school and life. Tough guy to coach. Acts like he hears you but does his own thing. Is not a team guy. You can’t depend on him. This is a high-maintenance guy you cannot trust.”

NFC scout: “Pretty solid all-around guy. Pretty good blocker.”

AFC scout: “In the run game, he does a good job on linebackers. Can get off the ball and gets his hands on quick. Does a good job walling defenders off and will get some push at times. Struggles to sustain against DEs and will get thrown off blocks too easy. Gives up on some plays. Has to get stronger in the upper body. In pass pro, he does a good job mirroring and keeping himself in front of the defender. As a receiver, you see him line up with his hand on the ground or split out. Good release. Has enough strength and athletic ability to get off press and into his routes. I didn’t see a lot of burst but has the size and athletic ability to get open. Not a speed guy, but has enough speed to get up the seam. Has good hands. Lacks some focus at times and will drop balls he shouldn’t. Flashes ability to make the tough catch. Can track the ball in the air. Adequate speed. Will break some arm tackles and get extra yards. This is a guy that has the tools you’re looking for. Can be a good backup with ability to be a starter in time. He doesn’t bring the character you’re looking for but he can play and will play for someone.”

NFC scout: “He’s got a brother in the league. He’s had some failed drug tests. He’s very athletic. Very big. Can catch and block. He’s a complete tight end.”

AFC scout: “He has ability. I don’t know if I trust that cat.”

NFC scout: “He’s probably the best blocker.”

AFC scout: “He’s different. He’s an immature kid. Has a lot of talent. His character will diminish his value. He’s a f--k up.”

NFC scout: “He’s coming off an injury and is a little bit of a whack job.”

AFC scout: “They kill him at the school. There is not one coach, head coach, that likes that kid. They hate him. He’s really a pain in the ass. Anybody that does their homework on him … no way. He’s not talented enough to warrant all the other stuff.”

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING NOW

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes: “The main thing is the way he’s able to read coverages and adjust on the fly. It’s almost like he’s playing Madden. He can read coverages and stop in the window and be open and be on the same page as me at all times … He’s just a competitor. I think that’s the best talent that Travis has. Not the size, the speed, the route running. It’s that he will compete to the very end. He’s going to go down fighting. He’s the greatest tight end of all time.”

Retired tight end Rob Gronkowski: (on the Ryen Russillo Podcast): “If you’re talking about a tight end, he’s the best tight end in terms of catching the ball. There’s no doubt about it. You can’t even argue.”

Lions executive John Dorsey: “Outstanding (career). The head coach likes tight ends. He and the quarterback have an unbelievable relationship, which is very important. There’s a trust factor involved … Kelce’s so smart because he’s a former quarterback. He knows where to sit on zones or man. He understands the coverage.”

Eagles center Jason Kelce: (in Oct. 22 interview with NBC’s Peter King): “It’s certainly been weird, the level that it is now. On one hand, I’m happy for my brother that he seems to be in a relationship that he’s excited about, that he is genuine about. But there’s another end of it where it’s, like, ‘Man, this is a lot.’ There’s paparazzi talking about him fueling his car before the game today and I’m, like, ‘Is that really necessary information to share.’ This is another level of stardom that typically football players don’t deal with … Really, really happy for my brother and where he’s at in his current situation with Taylor. On the other hand, there’s some, I think, some alarms sometimes with how, you know, over-in-pursuit people can be. Overall, he can deal with some of this. As long as it’s not, you know, becoming a threat to his safety and things like that.”

Patriots coach Bill Belichick (on Sept. 25 in interview on “The Greg Hill Show”): “Well, I would say that Travis Kelce has had a lot of big catches in his career. This would be the biggest.”

BOTTOM LINE

Travis Kelce’s checkered five-year career at Cincinnati underscores the imponderables football scouts encounter at almost every college they call upon. There was ample reason for teams to dismiss Kelce from consideration. He didn’t show much love for football, his coaches were glad to see him leave and his involvement with weed that led to a one-year suspension made scouts question what he might be like given a suddenly substantial bank account.

Then again, all those teams had broken down the tape showing how well Kelce played in that fifth year.

Should I or shouldn’t I? Is the risk worth the reward?

From an exceptionally weak draft, Kelce appears to be the only Hall of Fame lock among the 254 players selected in 2013. John Dorsey and the Chiefs got it right.

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Previous pieces from McGinn’s series…

'He engulfs people:' Trent Williams is chasing history

The perennially disrespected Jared Goff

'Knockoff Cam Newton' or the QB who 'pushed Burrow out of a job?'

What did the NFL think of "Mr. Irrelevant?"

Scouts on Love: 'Most physical upside of any of these guys'

And make sure you sift through the “Draft” archives at GoLongTD.com to read all parts of McGinn’s 2023 and 2022 draft series.

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