Chiefs scouting report: Jake Briningstool, TE for the Clemson Tigers

Chiefs Scouting Report: Jake Briningstool, TE for the Clemson Tigers

As the Kansas City Chiefs continue to build for the future, they have one eye on both the immediate and long-term needs of the team. One position that consistently receives attention is tight end, where a combination of physicality, route-running, and versatility can make a significant impact on the field. With their focus on bringing in dynamic playmakers, the Chiefs’ scouting department has been keeping a close eye on several top college prospects—one of whom is Jake Briningstool, a standout tight end from the Clemson Tigers.

Briningstool, an athletic and versatile tight end, has been turning heads with his impressive performances in the NCAA. Known for his ability to contribute both in the passing game and as a blocker, he’s a player who can offer multiple dimensions to an offense. In this scouting report, we take a deep dive into Briningstool’s skill set, his potential fit with the Chiefs, and why he could be a prime target for Kansas City in the upcoming draft or future seasons.

Player Overview: Jake Briningstool

Jake Briningstool is a 6’6”, 250-pound tight end who plays for the Clemson Tigers in the ACC. His physical attributes alone make him an intriguing prospect for teams that rely on their tight ends to be a multifaceted weapon, both in the passing game and as a physical presence in the run game. Briningstool was highly regarded coming out of high school as one of the top tight end recruits in the country, and he has lived up to that billing with his play at Clemson.

Briningstool began his college career with flashes of potential, and as he progressed, he started to showcase his ability to be a consistent threat on the field. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ has made him a key piece in the Clemson offense. Although still a developing player, Briningstool’s ceiling is extremely high, which has garnered the attention of NFL scouts.

Physical Traits and Athleticism

One of the first things that stands out when watching Briningstool is his exceptional physical traits. At 6’6″ and 250 pounds, he has an ideal frame for an NFL tight end. His size allows him to be a force in the red zone, making him a potential mismatch against smaller defensive backs or linebackers who may struggle to cover him in one-on-one situations. This size also allows Briningstool to be a dominant blocker in the running game, helping to clear lanes for his running backs.

However, it’s not just his size that makes him an intriguing prospect—it’s his athleticism. Briningstool has demonstrated excellent speed for his size, with the ability to stretch the field vertically and create separation downfield. His 40-yard dash time (estimated around 4.7 seconds) is impressive given his frame, showing that he has the capability to make plays in both short and long-range scenarios. This ability to stretch the defense vertically makes him a valuable asset in the Chiefs’ high-octane passing offense, which thrives on big plays and mismatches.

Additionally, Briningstool’s fluidity in his movements is apparent when he runs routes. He exhibits excellent body control and balance, which helps him make sharp cuts and create separation from defenders. His combination of size, speed, and smooth route-running make him a tough cover, whether he’s running quick outs, deep post routes, or working the seam.

Receiving Skills and Route Running

Briningstool’s receiving ability is another reason why he has caught the eye of NFL scouts. One of his standout attributes is his ability to run clean, crisp routes, which is a must-have for tight ends in the modern NFL. He has a natural understanding of how to position himself against defenders, and his body control allows him to make quick changes in direction without losing speed or balance.

In the Clemson offense, Briningstool has been used in a variety of ways. He lines up in multiple positions, from tight end to slot receiver, which showcases his versatility as a weapon in the passing game. He has the skills to be used in both traditional tight end sets and spread formations, allowing offensive coordinators to get creative with his deployment. This flexibility would be an asset in the Chiefs’ offense, where tight ends often align in different spots on the field to create mismatches.

Briningstool has proven to be a reliable target, particularly in the middle of the field. He has a natural feel for sitting down in soft spots in the defense, especially in the short-to-intermediate areas. His ability to get open in these zones makes him a valuable asset on third downs and in red-zone situations. Briningstool’s ability to read the defense and adjust his routes accordingly shows a level of football IQ that is necessary to thrive at the next level.

While Briningstool has shown solid hands, he still has room for improvement in terms of consistency. At times, he can be a little inconsistent catching passes in traffic, but his ability to make acrobatic catches and go up and get the ball in contested situations is an encouraging sign. He’s shown the potential to be a reliable target for quarterbacks in clutch situations, which will serve him well in the NFL.

Blocking and Run Game Contribution

For a tight end, the ability to block is just as important as receiving ability, and Briningstool doesn’t shy away from the physicality of the game. His size and strength make him an effective blocker in both the run and pass game. In the running game, he’s shown the ability to seal the edge, creating lanes for running backs to cut back inside or bounce outside.

Briningstool’s blocking skills have continued to evolve over his time at Clemson, and while he isn’t considered a dominant force in this area just yet, he has all the tools to develop into a strong blocker at the next level. His size and physicality are there, and he’s demonstrated the ability to drive defenders off the ball when given the proper technique. The ability to play as a balanced tight end—contributing both in the passing game and as a blocker—is a critical asset in today’s NFL, and Briningstool shows that he has the potential to become a well-rounded player in this regard.

The Chiefs would value a tight end who can contribute in both areas. With their offensive system relying heavily on motion, blocking, and versatility, a player like Briningstool, who can excel both as a receiver and a blocker, fits perfectly within that mold. His skills would help solidify the Chiefs’ already potent offensive unit, adding another dimension to their attack.

Fit with the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid. With their pass-heavy approach, speed, and playmaking ability, the Chiefs are always on the lookout for athletes who can add explosiveness to their offense. Jake Briningstool, with his size, athleticism, and receiving skills, would be a perfect fit in Kansas City’s system.

A major key to the Chiefs’ success is their ability to create mismatches, particularly through their tight ends. Travis Kelce has been the primary weapon at the position for Kansas City, but with his age starting to climb, the Chiefs may soon be looking for a player who can step into a more prominent role and complement Kelce’s skill set. Briningstool could serve as a dynamic complement to Kelce, offering a bigger, more physical presence in the red zone and on deep routes.

Additionally, Briningstool’s versatility would allow him to be utilized in a variety of ways within the Chiefs’ offense. Whether as a traditional tight end, split out wide as a receiver, or even in the slot, Briningstool’s ability to be deployed in multiple ways would make him a dangerous weapon in Andy Reid’s playbook. His ability to stretch the field vertically, combined with his solid intermediate route running, would create difficult matchups for opposing defenses.

Furthermore, Briningstool’s blocking skills would help strengthen the Chiefs’ overall run game, giving them an added dimension to their offensive attack. While he may not be the most polished blocker in the draft, his raw ability and physicality suggest that he can develop into a capable contributor in this area with the right coaching.

Areas for Improvement

While Briningstool is an exciting prospect, there are areas where he can still improve before making the jump to the NFL. First, as mentioned, his consistency catching the ball in traffic could use some refinement. Although he shows the ability to make spectacular catches, improving his hands in contested situations will be key to maximizing his potential at the next level.

Additionally, Briningstool’s blocking technique needs further development. While he’s a strong athlete, he can sometimes struggle with leverage and hand placement when blocking defenders. If he can fine-tune his blocking technique, he will become a more well-rounded player and a key contributor in both the passing and running games.