As NFL Fantasy draft season approaches, many fans are gearing up to assemble their most effective lineups. During the mid to later rounds of the draft, one player to keep an eye on is tight end Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals, who has been quietly putting up impressive numbers—often referred to as the “budget version” of Travis Kelce.
Entering his third year with the Cardinals, McBride had a strong performance last season, stepping up significantly after veteran tight end Zach Ertz went down with an injury. Over the second half of the season, McBride finished with 825 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to fill the gap in a dynamic way, despite the team’s changing quarterback situation.
With well-honed turning and blocking skills, McBride possesses decent speed and excellent body control while on the run, which enhances his ability to catch passes. His highlight reel features moments where he has leaped over defenders, showcasing his athleticism. McBride has a knack for making sharp turns toward the sideline to catch passes, and he occasionally is targeted for deep throws as well.
However, McBride’s experience is still developing. At times, the increased pace of quarterback throws can throw off his timing. While he may not yet be on par with the elite receiving tight end like Kelce—who excels in route running and improvisation—McBride certainly holds his own in terms of basic receiving skills.
Despite these nuances, if you are looking for mid to late-round players or reliable backups in your fantasy roster, McBride could be a strong investment, especially with quarterback Kyler Murray expected to return. Keep him in mind as a valuable option in your draft strategy.
