Chiefs Training Camp Preview: Naming Kansas City's most underrated player heading into the 2025 season
Every team needs an under-the-radar player to step up and make big plays. The Chiefs have no shortage of playmakers, but as we saw last year injuries can pile up quickly. Even if they stay relatively healthy, defenses are always keying in on star players. Kansas City has a reliable, if not underappreciated, contributor it […]
Every team needs an under-the-radar player to step up and make big plays.
The Chiefs have no shortage of playmakers, but as we saw last year injuries can pile up quickly. Even if they stay relatively healthy, defenses are always keying in on star players. Kansas City has a reliable, if not underappreciated, contributor it can rely on when needed.
Why TE Noah Gray is the most underrated player on the Chiefs' roster
It's probably safe to say that nobody predicted Gray would finish second on the team in touchdown receptions in 2024. That's exactly what happened, however, as Gray's five TD catches trailed only wide receiver Xavier Worthy's six.
Gray has gotten better each year since he was selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Last season he increased his reception total by 12, his yardage total by 132, and his TD total by three. He also played 178 snaps on special teams, and has been a core contributor for the unit ever since being drafted.
Gray not only bested future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce in TDs, but his 74.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus was higher than Kelce's 70.9. Kansas City gave Gray a big vote of confidence before the beginning of the 2024 season, signing him to a three-year, $18 million contract extension with $10.1 guaranteed.
Gray has developed a trust and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes that will continue to pay off in the years ahead. Mahomes posted a 122.0 passer rating when targeting Gray last year, with zero drops on 48 targets. Even with talent behind him, Gray is firmly entrenched as the Chiefs' No. 2 TE heading into training camp.
With defenses having to worry about weapons such as Kelce, Worthy, Rashee Rice, and Hollywood Brown, Gray should continue to get favorable matchups. Gray could even see an increase in snaps in 2025 as the Chiefs carefully manage the workload of the 13-year veteran Kelce.
