🚨KANSAS CITY CHIEFS’ NEW TIGHT END TARGET: Justin Joly Ready to Step In and Fill the Shoes of Travis Kelce in NFL Draft Push! 👇

Kansas City Chiefs have long been a dominant force in the NFL, and their search for the next game-changing tight end continues ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. With superstar Travis Kelce at the forefront of their offensive attack, the Chiefs are already looking ahead to the future, making sure they’re prepared when the time comes for Kelce to step away from the game. While Kelce’s contract has been extended for several more years, it’s clear that the Chiefs are making moves to find his successor.

As one of the most prominent and reliable players in the NFL, Travis Kelce’s retirement is still uncertain. Speculation surrounding his potential retirement after the 2026 season has been the subject of much debate, given the extensive considerations Kelce himself has voiced regarding his future. The Chiefs are wise to begin their search early, and they are now meeting with one of the most promising tight end prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft – Justin Joly from North Carolina State.

Chiefs Eye Justin Joly: A Look at the Tight End’s Impressive Career So Far

Reports indicate that the Chiefs have scheduled a pre-draft meeting with Justin Joly, who has already generated significant buzz as a potential top pick. With the Chiefs looking for a reliable pass-catching tight end to join their explosive offense, Joly fits the bill perfectly. His blend of athleticism, ball skills, and versatility has earned him recognition as one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. Joly’s recent college career statistics speak volumes about his potential.

Joly’s College Career: A Rise to Prominence at UConn and NC State

Joly’s journey to prominence began at the University of Connecticut, where he spent the first two years of his college career. During his sophomore year, he made a major leap as a receiver, significantly increasing his production. From 18 catches in 2022, Joly posted an impressive 56 receptions for 578 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2023. His standout sophomore season helped set the stage for his transfer to NC State.

In 2024, Joly took his talents to NC State, where he truly began to shine. He set a new career-high for receiving yards in his first year with the team, tallying 661 yards on 43 catches. That season, he also averaged an impressive 15.4 yards per catch, demonstrating his ability to stretch the field and make big plays down the seam.

Joly’s final season at NC State in 2025 saw him continue to impress, catching 49 passes for 489 yards and 7 touchdowns. Though his overall receiving yards were slightly lower than in previous seasons, Joly’s ability to score touchdowns and make key plays in critical moments earned him widespread recognition as a reliable offensive weapon.

With a total of 166 catches for 1,978 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns over the course of his college career, Joly is clearly one of the most accomplished and versatile tight ends in this year’s draft class.

Joly’s Strengths: A Versatile Threat at Tight End

Scouting experts have been quick to highlight Joly’s athleticism, versatility, and strong ball skills. He is known for his ability to create separation from defenders with his quick footwork and sharp route running. Joly’s impressive vertical speed up the seam makes him a major threat downfield. His ability to make contested catches is particularly notable, as he boasts a 71.4% success rate in contested situations.

Dane Brugler, a well-known scouting expert for The Athletic, compared Joly’s playing style to that of veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, noting that he excels as a “move” tight end in a 12-personnel offense. Joly is described as a “Robin” rather than a “Batman” type of player, making him an ideal fit for a team looking for a complementary piece in their offensive scheme, rather than a primary focal point.

Joly’s ability to block as a downfield threat adds to his value, as he isn’t just a pass-catcher but also a competitive player with an impressive work ethic. While he may not have the sheer size and strength to dominate at the point of attack as a blocker, his coordination and effort have allowed him to contribute in that area as well.

Joly’s Competitive Edge: Personality, Speed, and Charisma

Off the field, Joly’s competitive and charismatic personality has also caught the attention of coaches and scouts alike. His leadership qualities and strong mental game make him a desirable prospect for any NFL team. His work ethic and determination are seen as major assets, both on and off the field. Joly’s personality has been described as “competitive and charismatic,” adding to his appeal as a potential franchise player.

A Busy Pre-Draft Schedule: What’s Next for Joly?

As the NFL Draft looms closer, Joly has a busy schedule ahead of him, with multiple team visits lined up. According to SI NFL reporter Arye Pulli, Joly has already met with the Chiefs, along with the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and Tennessee Titans. In the coming days, he is scheduled to visit the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins. This busy schedule is a clear indication of the demand for Joly’s services, as multiple NFL teams have recognized his potential and are eager to evaluate him further.

As Joly continues his whirlwind tour of NFL teams, the Chiefs will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on him, especially as they look for a long-term solution to their tight end position. If Joly’s visit with the Chiefs goes well, he could be a major part of their future plans as they prepare for life after Travis Kelce.

The Chiefs’ Future Tight End: A Look Ahead

With the 2026 NFL Draft just around the corner, the Kansas City Chiefs are making sure they are prepared for whatever the future holds. As they look to find a successor to Travis Kelce, Justin Joly represents a promising option. His combination of athleticism, versatility, and potential as a pass-catching threat makes him an ideal fit for the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.

Joly may not be the immediate solution to Kelce’s eventual retirement, but he has certainly made a strong case as a long-term asset. As teams around the NFL continue to evaluate their tight end prospects, Joly’s name will likely be one to watch closely in the coming weeks.

Final Thoughts: A Future Star in the Making

The NFL Draft is always filled with excitement and surprises, and Justin Joly is one of the most intriguing prospects in 2026. Whether he ends up with the Chiefs or another team, Joly’s potential to become a star in the NFL is undeniable. As the Chiefs continue their search for a future tight end, Joly represents an exciting opportunity that could pay off in a big way for the team down the line. With his combination of speed, athleticism, and versatility, Justin Joly has the potential to carve out a prominent role in the NFL for years to come.