Chiefs UDFA TE Jake Briningstool determined to improve
Chiefs UDFA TE Jake Briningstool determined to improve
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Clemson Tigers tight end Jake Briningstool as an undrafted free agent. Poor measurables combined with uninspiring athletic testing to make Briningstool fall out of the 2025 NFL draft, but his tape showcases a developing player capable of contributing to the offense in a niche role.
At 6'5 5/8", Briningstool presents a size mismatch that makes him a strong option for red zone fades and one-on-one targets down the seam. He lacks elite speed but showcases enough burst in the route's first ten to 15 yards to overtake and stack linebackers, especially in man coverage.
Briningstool has plenty of experience against NFL-caliber competition. While at the Senior Bowl, he spoke about the value of facing Clemson's vaunted defense in practices throughout his college career.
'We have a saying at Clemson. 'Practice is going to be harder than the games.' We get after it. We compete with each other every single day. Going against guys like R.J. Mickens and Barrett Carter on a daily basis helped my development and helped me become a better player.'
Briningstool spent most of his time in the slot at Clemson but also took snaps in-line and got occasional opportunities to play out wide. His lean build makes him not an ideal fit for in-line reps in the NFL, but his value moving around the formation or working out of the backfield as an H-back gives the Chiefs a sure-handed weapon with mismatch potential.
Briningstool still needs to get stronger and execute sharper routes, but his use of leverage and body positioning working downfield gives him situational value. He also has the football IQ to recognize holes in zone coverage and work with the quarterback to keep throwing lanes open.
Briningstool knows he needs to improve to set the tone for his NFL career. He shared his plans for the future of his game while at the Senior Bowl.
'I just want to get better in all aspects of my game. I think I have areas to improve at in every facet. Just being able to chase that best version of myself and do everything I can.'
Briningstool faces an uphill climb to make Kansas City's final roster. Travis Kelce and Noah Gray are entrenched contributors, and second-year former fourth round pick Jared Wiley offers even greater height than Briningstool and a stronger build. Wiley's recovery timetable from the torn ACL he suffered last season might create some camp and preseason opportunities for Briningstool to prove he belongs on Kansas City's 53-man roster.
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