2021 NFL scouting report: Florida TE Kyle Pitts

Kyle Pitts is a highly athletic and productive tight end coming out of Florida, and one of the most hyped prospects in this class. A product of Philadelphia, Pitts actually saw time as a quarterback in high school before eventually moving to the tight end position. Pitts finished his career at Florida with 100 receptions for 1,492 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Pitts also received the John Mackey award in 2020 which goes to College Footballs most outstanding tight end. Coming out of Florida his Junior year, Pitts has plenty to offer any NFL team as a possibly elite offensive weapon.

Here’s my evaluation of Kyle Pitts and why the Falcons could possibly have him on their radar.

Scouting report

Player Height/Weight: 6’6” – 239 lbs

Games Watched: vs. Ole Miss (2020), vs. Alabama (2020), Vs. Tennessee (2020)

Strengths

• Possesses rare blend of size, speed and athleticism.
• Due to his well-rounded abilities, is scheme versatile.
• Excellent route runner.
• Knows how to alter his route speed to keep the defender on his heels.
• Learning and improving the nuances of getting separation coming out of his routes.
• Difficult to contain and press at the Line of scrimmage.
• Long strider that eats up space in a hurry.
• A complete mismatch against CBs, Safeties and LBs.
• Excellent hands with a big catch radius.
• Does well with contested catch opportunities.
• Knows how to use his body and an excellent Red Zone target.
• Amazing body control.
• Has increased his focus in regards to tracking the ball and staying in position.
• A very willing and capable blocker.

Weaknesses

• Due to his long legs and strides, needs to work on short area quickness.
• Needs to work on properly sinking his hips when brake stepping and coming out of his breaks.
• Has issues sustaining blocks and needs to work on keeping his hands inside to avoid penalties.
• Could be better at double moves.
• There’s a level of concern when it comes to his health.

In every NFL Draft, there are always prospects that are considered “can’t miss” prospects. In the 2021 Draft, Kyle Pitts is definitely that in my eyes. A scheme versatile TE who is a mismatch all over the field, Pitts is a true playmaker that has the ability to be elite at the next level. Projecting best as a Flex or “F” tight end, I love how Pitts is never truly covered.

He can gain separation in a hurry with his speed, but even in tight quarters he knows how to use his body, box out like a basketball rebounder, and win consistently with the 50/50 ball. I have Kyle Pitts as the second best player in this draft behind Trevor Lawrence. For the Falcons, considering that Coach Arthur Smith loves his tight ends and that GM Terry Fontenot believes in a “Best Player Available” draft philosophy, one has to conclude that, if there, Pitts is a real possibility at 4^th overall.

I know there are some that say tight end isn’t a position of need, but I implore people to forget the position to which he’s listed. He’s a true threat and game breaker, and when there’s a player that has the ability to be elite, it’ll be very difficult to pass on him, especially if you run an offense where a great tight end can do great things.