Travis Kelce said there’s one trait he wants to see in any player Chiefs draft
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- Travis Kelce said he wants draft picks who make an impact on the field.
- Kelce emphasized he values players who bring infectious energy to the locker room.
- Kelce cited coach Andy Reid’s encouragement for draftees to show personality.
The bad taste is still in the mouth of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
After making three straight Super Bowls and twice winning the Lombardi Trophy, the Chiefs won just six games last season and ended the year on a six-game losing streak.
On the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, Kelce was asked by big brother, Jason, about the NFL Draft, which begins Thursday night. The Chiefs have the ninth and 29th picks in the first round.
Travis Kelce said he wants someone who will make an impact on the field, in practices and inside the Chiefs’ locker room.
“I’m just hoping for a guy that loves ball, man,” Kelce said. “You know, I think one of the things that you just want to have when you get back into the building after a season like last year, you just want guys that love what they’re ... doing. And I think it’s one of the things that I look for in these young guys when they come in: ... How infectious is your energy? I need that out of these young guys, man.
“And sometimes it takes a little bit for a guy to get comfortable in his shoes and really, like, show his personality. But coach (Andy) Reid says it best. We want you to show that personality. Want you to be yourself and bring the energy to the building, to the everyday grind that we can just go and unleash out on Sundays. And I think it’s one of the biggest things I’m looking forward to in seeing who we’re going to go and draft this year is how much energy and how much fun they’re bringing to the squad.”
This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 9:52 AM with the headline "Travis Kelce said there’s one trait he wants to see in any player Chiefs draft."
