Coming out of high school, Jake Briningstool was one of the most highly sought-after tight end recruits in the country. The Tennessee-based prospect was ranked top-65 in the country and Dabo Swinney had to beat out some powerhouses for his services.
Briningstool instantly became a player fans clung onto as a "breakout candidate" and after a modest freshman season in which he caught three passes for 67 yards and a touchdown, he was expected to take a big leap as a sophomore.
And he did.
The Tennessee native caught 25 passes for 285 yards and four touchdowns. He took an even bigger leap as a junior with 50 receptions for 498 yards and five touchdowns. Opting to return for one final season in 2024, Briningstool caught 49 passes for a career-high 530 yards and seven touchdowns.
Many believed he was one of the best tight ends in the country but he went seven rounds this past weekend without hearing his name called. It was a bit of a surprise, but scouts believed that his potential was limited on longer pass plays -- a lot of his success came at the first level.
Shortly after the draft, Briningstool signed with one of the best possible organizations for tight ends in the Kansas City Chiefs.
Clemson TE Jake Briningstool is signing with the Kansas City Chiefs, per multiple reports.
— Grayson Mann (@gray_mann21) April 26, 2025
Should Briningstool make the roster, I can't think of a more ideal spot for development with Travis Kelce in the TE room, and Andy Reid as his HC.
For obvious reasons, this is a great place for Briningstool to learn and try to make the roster as Travis Kelce calls this home and is one of the best tight ends of all time. Learning under him while pushing for a spot on the 53-man can only help his game. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have Patrick Mahomes throwing you the ball.
Hopefully he catches on here because he has the tools, he just needs the trust.