As NFL Fantasy draft season heats up, many fans are gearing up to assemble the most effective rosters. In the middle rounds of the draft, there’s a tight end who quietly made a noteworthy impact last season—Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals, often referred to as the “budget version” of Travis Kelce.
Entering his third year with the Cardinals, McBride had a solid performance last season despite changes within the quarterback position. After Zach Ertz, the starting tight end, suffered an injury in the latter half of the season, McBride quickly stepped in to fill the gap, finishing with 825 yards and three touchdowns.
McBride showcases excellent skill with his blocking and turning techniques, coupled with good speed and body adjustment abilities while on the move. His athleticism shines through, particularly when he’s leaping over defenders. He’s adept at running routes toward the sideline to make catches and can occasionally reel in deep passes.
However, it’s important to note that McBride’s experience is still developing. The faster ball delivery from quarterbacks can sometimes throw off his timing. While he may not yet be on the same level as the league’s top receiving tight end, Travis Kelce, known for his elite catching ability and route running, McBride certainly performs well in the basics of catching.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a valuable mid-round pick or a solid backup for your Fantasy team, McBride could be a worthwhile investment—especially with quarterback Kyler Murray set to make his return. His potential to shine makes him an intriguing option this season.
