The Kansas City Chiefs remain represented among ESPN’s top 10 tight ends, but Travis Kelce has slipped to the fifth spot ahead of the 2025 NFL season, marking a significant drop from his No. 1 ranking last year. This decline in the Travis Kelce ESPN rankings decline results from concerns about his age and physical condition, as noted in a recent survey conducted by Jeremy Fowler among NFL executives, coaches, and scouts.
At 36 years old, Kelce is no longer viewed as the most dominant tight end in the league. Some evaluators reported that Kelce appeared heavier during the 2024 season, which may have reduced his explosiveness on the field. Others observed a drop in his ability to get open, limiting his effectiveness as a key target for his quarterback.
“For sure he showed signs of physical decline, but you still have to worry about him because he’s such a smart player with a great connection with the QB. Just doesn’t get open like he used to,” the evaluator said on Friday, via ESPN.
—Evaluator
In 2024, Kelce produced only 832 receiving yards, the fewest he has posted in a full season since his injury-plagued rookie year in 2013. Despite this downturn, Kelce has committed to improving his fitness during the offseason, and reports suggest he entered the 2025 campaign lighter and in better shape than a year prior.
New Leader Emerges Among NFL Tight Ends
This year, Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders has surpassed veterans Travis Kelce and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers to claim the top tight end ranking in ESPN’s evaluation. Bowers, a 2024 first-round draft pick, impressed with 112 receptions from 153 targets, totaling 1,194 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie season.
Bowers’ remarkable performance marks the first time in ESPN’s top 10 positional polls that a player has been ranked No. 1 at his position after just one season in the league. His rise signals a shifting landscape among tight ends, highlighting emerging talents challenging established stars.
Full List of ESPN’s Top Tight Ends for 2025 Season
ESPN’s rankings for the NFL’s top tight ends heading into the new season are as follows:
1. Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders)
2. George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers)
3. Sam LaPorta (Detroit Lions)
4. Trey McBride (Arizona Cardinals)
5. Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs)
6. Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens)
7. T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings)
8. Isaiah Likely (Baltimore Ravens)
9. Dallas Goedert (Philadelphia Eagles)
10. David Njoku (Cleveland Browns)
Looking Ahead: Kelce’s Role and the Future of the Position
Though Travis Kelce’s drop to fifth place reflects concerns about his physical decline due to age, his intelligence, experience, and chemistry with his quarterback ensure he remains a critical player for the Chiefs. As the 2025 season approaches, Kelce’s efforts to regain peak conditioning demonstrate his determination to remain competitive in a league increasingly spotlighting younger, dynamic tight ends like Brock Bowers.
The shift in tight end rankings suggests evolving offensive strategies and the emergence of new stars poised to define the next chapter of the NFL’s passing game.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift still a couple?
A. When a young fan wondered why Taylor Swift was at the event, she openly said, “My boyfriend is training here.” This incident was recorded and shared on social media, revealing they are still in a relationship. However, Taylor and Kelce are not engaged.
Q. How long was Travis Kelce with his ex-girlfriend?
A. What you should know about Kayla Nicole, Travis Kelce’s former girlfriend: The NFL player and Kayla were together for five years, splitting in 2022.
Q. Is Taylor Swift still with Travis Kelce?
A. A video clip spread on platforms, including X (once known as Twitter), clearly showed that she and Kelce are still dating, but not engaged.
Q. What is the age difference between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce?
A. Even though people often guess about their ages, Travis Kelce is just two months older than Taylor Swift, disproving any beliefs of a big age difference.