Kansas City Chiefs TE Jake Briningstool is entrenched in fierce competition at the position at training camp. He’s competing against draft pick Jared Wiley and fellow UDFA Tre Watson, who came to Kansas City at the same time as Briningstool.

“Yeah, you’re seeing the challenge there between the two of them,” Reid said of Briningstool and Wiley. “I mean, they’re competing, and as that whole group is, I mean, Tre’s (Watson) right in the mix there, too. So, it’s a good group of young guys, big strong guys. And (Jake) Briningstool, his whole thing was, could he stay on the field? And he’s been doing that.”

The three players have each had a strong offseason, making the upcoming preseason games that much more important.

Kansas City Chiefs training camp represents a fresh start for Briningstool after rookie season lost to injury

Briningstool is getting a taste of what is really his first NFL training camp. As noted to reporters on Monday, he did not make it to the padded portion of training camp practices during his rookie season. That’s because a hamstring injury took him off the field and ultimately ended his rookie season.

“It feels great to be able to be out here competing,” Briningstool said. “You know, actually put the pads on. Last year, I got hurt before we even put the pads on. So, just being able to come out here, learn a lot from the other guys, and just really be able to go out there and showcase what I can do. It has been great. So I’ve been excited to be back out here.”

He was tested not only physically, but mentally as he worked his way back from the season-ending injury. It made him realize the amount of work that truly goes into playing at this level.

“Last year, as frustrating as it was, I think it was a way God showed me just to be able to take a step back and really see what it takes to be a pro,” Briningstool said. “I think just being able to take a back seat, watch the guys in front of me, be able to just watch how they just attack every single day. The type of stuff that they do off the field and how it translates onto the field. So, I think I really had an up-close view to be able to see that, and then I can translate that into my own way and use it for myself.”

The experience changed his perspective on what it means to be a professional. Briningstool now knows the demands of the NFL. He also knows how the lessons he’s picked up will translate to his preparation.

Briningstool looks to Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce as the blueprint

Briningstool mentioned the common football platitude of “drinking from a fire hose” with all the information he has to learn as a young player in the league. Thankfully, he has good role models in the Kansas City tight end room.

Asked specifically about the tight ends he watches and models his game after, Briningstool didn’t have to point very far. He pointed to No. 87. Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is the lone tight end Briningstool says he needs to look up to and learn from.

“Travis Kelce, just being able to be so close to him, the Hall of Fame career that he’s had,” Briningstool said. “It’s been a blessing for me to be able to just watch him, study him, and just be able to play alongside him.”

His answer shouldn’t come as a surprise. It’s a clear indication that Briningstool knows the tips and mentoring that he gets from guys like Kelce can go a long way.

It goes beyond what happens on the field

Briningstool isn’t looking toward Kelce solely for an on-field example. He’s also watching how Kelce carries himself off the field and as a leader in the tight end room. It’s something Briningstool admires as a young player and hopes to emulate throughout his own NFL career.

“That dude’s a Hall of Famer, you know, both on the field and off the field,” Bringistool said. “You know how he takes care of himself, how he knows the defense, how he knows the game plan. Just being able to really follow in his footsteps, he’s really put his arm around me and just been like a big brother to me. So it’s been great.”

As for what he takes from Kelce’s game specifically? Briningstool says the future Hall of Famer is several steps ahead of defenders on a given snap. For a young tight end still learning the nuances of the position, having that caliber of player to study up close every day at practice is an invaluable resource.

“I think he’s four steps ahead of where he’s at right now,” Briningstool said. “He already knows what the coverage is, where the defender’s leverage is, and how he’s going to use that against him to get himself open. So just being able to pick his brain a little bit when he comes off the field, you know, why did you take that step? Why did you take that leverage? Why did you make that release? Just being able to pick his brain to see what he’s thinking, so I can try and apply that to myself and my route running.”

With Kelce entering what could be the final stretch of his career, Briningstool’s mindset and willingness to learn are important. He’s taking the right approach to carving out his role — and the competition at tight end over the coming weeks will reveal whether that approach is paying off.