Sure, a Pro Bowl nod would be meaningful for any tight end trying to break into star status. Or a 1,000-yard season.
But it isn't too bad to get invited to Tight End University, a gathering of tight ends from around the league and founded by George Kittle, Travis Kelce and ex-Panthers great Greg Olsen.
Created in 2021, the event is annually held in Nashville. It's among a handful of such player-driven get-togethers, including ones for offensive linemen and pass rushers. It has come at a good time too, with a seeming renaissance at the tight end position.
Everyone knows Kittle and Kelce. But there is Sam LaPorta in Detroit, T.J. Hockenson in Minnesota, Jake Ferguson in Dallas, Mark Andrews in Baltimore, Evan Engram in Jacksonville, and David Njoku in Cleveland, just to name some. Weapons all. And that's why it's impressive — albeit earned — to have McBride as part of the chosen ones.
Kittle has said complementary things about his NFC West counterpart before, but he again did it in Nashville, noting how McBride will only continue to improve.
It'll be fascinating to watch how this season turns out for McBride in terms of numbers. He had 81 catches for 825 yards and no one doubts that he could be a 1,000-yard guy. He also has to share the field with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson (and to a lesser extent Greg Dortch and Zay Jones) as well as what is expected to be a productive and important run game. Everyone can't have huge stats.
Yet judging by raw numbers would be a mistake anyway. McBride will be better this season regardless. That's a known — and a reason he has a Tight End U diploma.
