Hello again everyone and welcome to another week of the ArrowChop! This is the column where we look at the positives/negatives of a certain Chiefs/NFL issue and look at both sides of the aisle. Then you, the readers, will come to your conclusions after I lay out the case. So sit back, relax, and enjoy as we break down this week’s hot topic.
Last Saturday, we saw the first act of Chiefs’ football for the first time in six months. It was refreshing, to say the least, to see all the starters out there back on the gridiron. While they were given limited playing time, the backups showed out, defeating the 49ers 19-16. There were a lot of ups this week, especially with a player named no other than Jody Fortson.
Fortson balled out on Saturday, catching three passes for 32 yards, averaging 10.7 yards per catch; this made him have the highest yards-per-catch average amongst all other Chiefs’ receivers (excluding RBs). He has also been balling out at camp as well. Fortson has been on the Chiefs’ practice squad for the past two years, yearning for a roster spot on the 53-man roster. With all that in mind, will Jody Fortson finally make the Chiefs’ final roster? Let’s break down both sides of the aisle, and find out.
Jody Fortson Will Make The Final Roster
This side believes so as such:
Firstly, to reiterate, Fortson has balled out at camp, and that would be an understatement. He has been making plays and making his name known day in and day out of practice. Earlier today, he had playing time with the Chiefs’ first-team offense. He had a sweet bobble catch a few days ago in camp, and he has been on consistent growth practice in and practice out. He could be making a case for being the third TE, or maybe even the second TE if he continues to shine.
Secondly, his in-game performance raised his stock. You can have the best practices in the world, however, if don’t do well in-game, then your chances of making the roster are that much lower. That didn’t happen with Jody, as he had a stellar game. While that stat line has been said, he made a spectacular one-handed catch that resulted in 19 yards. If he keeps making plays like that, then his roster spot is solidified:
Finally, Keizer’s sudden retirement makes his chances increase that much higher. Former Chiefs’ TE Nick Keizer retired last week, which could’ve occurred due to injuries. His retirement has led to Fortson being bumped up in the TE room, making him the fourth tight end at the moment I’m writing this. The Chiefs ran four tight ends last year with Kelce, Bell, Keizer, and Seals-Jones; and, the Chiefs could run that four TE set once again.
Even if they don’t, Fortson could make it over Bell due to how he has performed in camp and in-game, and run a three TE set with Kelce, Gray, and Fortson. It will be exciting to see what the Chiefs come up with once final cuts occur.
Jody Fortson Won’t Make The Final Roster
This side believes so as such:
Firstly, the Chiefs could run with just three tight ends instead, and take Blake Bell instead of Jody Fortson. The Chiefs could turn towards experience here, and run with Bell. Bell isn’t a slouch in catching, so he shouldn’t be that overlooked; in 2020 with the Dallas Cowboys, he had 11 catches on 15 targets for 110 yards with no drops. He had a 73.3 catch percentage, which is good for a backup tight end. The preseason course will decide the fate of both Bell and Fortson, but don’t be surprised if the Chiefs go towards experience and the improved hands of Bell.
Finally, it is still too early to say that Fortson has made the roster. There is still plenty more of training camp and two more preseason games to go; Fortson could have down games and camp time, which is highly unlikely, but still plausible. As the saying goes, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish”. If Fortson is not able to finish the preseason, he may not make the final 53-man roster.
Do you think the Chiefs will place Jody Fortson on the final 53-man roster? Leave a comment down below to join the discussion, and be sure to follow me on Twitter @HunterStanton8 and @ArrowheadLive. Thanks for reading, and have a fantastic day.
