Most of McBride’s production came in the final 10 games of the year, where he recorded 66 receptions for 655 yards and three scores. His confidence has only grown after attending Tight End University and further connecting with quarterback Kyler Murray this offseason.
Despite McBride ending the season seventh among NFL tight ends in receiving yards and sixth in receptions, an ESPN poll of executives, scouts, and players compiled by Jeremy Fowler still has him outside the top 10 tight ends heading into 2024. Those top honors belong to:
- Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
- George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
- Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
- Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
- T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
- David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
- Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles
- Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
- Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
Where Did Trey McBride Rank in ESPN’s Poll?
McBride found himself among the five honorable mentions. One unnamed team executive believes McBride has a higher ceiling than some ranked above him. McBride had only one drop on 108 targets, which is impressive for a second-year player. Of his 81 catches, 42 went for first downs, ranking fifth among tight ends. “We were really high on him coming up,” said a team executive. “He does a lot of things really well. Run after catch, good in the red zone, has a higher upside than many of the guys ahead of him. [He’s] more of a pass-game tight end but a competitive blocker.”
McBride’s fellow honorable-mention mates include:
- Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
- Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears
- Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
Is Trey McBride’s Top-10 Snub Warranted?
The top 5 in ESPN’s TE ranking is strong. However, an argument could be made for McBride over players in the 6-10 range, such as Kincaid and Schultz. Kincaid had a solid rookie season with 73 catches for 673 yards and two touchdowns, but changes in Buffalo’s offensive coordinator and roster could impact his production. Schultz faces increased competition for targets in Houston with the additions of Stefon Diggs, breakout WR Nico Collins, and the explosive Tank Dell.
McBride, too, will face competition for targets. Arizona revamped their pass-catching lineup this offseason, adding Marvin Harrison Jr. through the NFL Draft and signing Zay Jones in free agency, while letting Hollywood Brown walk and trading Rondale Moore to Atlanta.
Despite this, McBride remains the Cardinals’ best poised player to make a significant jump. “To me, he’s a complete tight end,” offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said during Week 11 of last year. “He’s worked really hard over the past couple months to be that guy, to put himself in that position. Certainly, in the pass game, the size, the speed, the length, the hands, you saw it all on display on Sunday. But really for us, it’s something we’ve seen in terms of his game in general, in all areas — run blocking, pass protection, effort. Really pleased with the way he’s playing.”
How Can the Cardinals Better Utilize Trey McBride in 2024?
One way the Cardinals could increase McBride’s usage this year is through play action. McBride saw the bulk of his stats come out of non-play-action situations — 54 catches for 482 yards and three touchdowns. However, operating out of play-action sets, McBride stretched the field with 27 catches for 343 yards (12.7 yards per catch) and saw deeper looks at nine yards per target.
Despite the target discrepancy, McBride finished with just four fewer first downs (19) in play action than out of it (23). With the Cardinals determined to emphasize the running game under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, McBride’s continued growth with Murray should lead to even more opportunities to deceive defenses this season.
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