Latest news with #JakeBriningstool
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
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.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Travis Kelce Comparisons Addressed Boldly By New Chiefs Tight End
Former Clemson Tigers tight end Jake Briningstool is one of a number of players who participated in Kansas City Chiefs rookie minicamp this past weekend. Briningstool was signed as an undrafted free agent, being scooped up by the Chiefs quickly. Briningstool packs a 6-foot-6, 241-pound frame, a true NFL tight end's body. Briningstool is trying to develop his game and show enough promise to make the Chiefs' 53-man roster come September. Advertisement At the very least, he does have a heck of a tight end room to learn from. Led by future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce, who may be entering his swan song season, Kelce has long carried a reputation as a hard worker and locker room leader. When speaking to the media during minicamp on Sunday, Briningstool said it's nothing new to him, he's used to championship culture and competition. "I played at Clemson, so I think just being around championship culture, being around championship team, guys that compete at a high level, guys that love to win, I think that's really what attracted me the most (to the Chiefs)," Briningstool said. "Just being able to come in here and compete with guys who have done it at the highest level and also been very successful, and a team that competes for championships. It's something I want to be a part of." Briningstool was quick to nip any potential comparisons to Kelce in the bud, he clarified he wants to forge his own path and seen as his own player. Advertisement "I don't really want any comparisons," Briningstool said. "I kind of try to be my own player. He's (Kelce) had a Hall of Fame career, and that's something I could look up to and learn from. But, I want to be my own player, and be able to create a name for myself, and also be able to learn from somebody that's done it at such a high level. I think it's really exciting for me, and also something I'm really looking forward to." In his senior season, Briningstool caught 49 passes for 530 yards and seven touchdowns. In Kelce's senior campaign at Cincinnati 13 years ago, he made 45 catches for 722 yards and eight touchdowns. Related: Chiefs Trade Rumors Swirl on $80 Million Lineman In Job Danger Related: Chiefs Promising Rookie Reveals Toughest Camp Test
