Scott Long
3/1/21
All the talk of the NFL Draft is usually about this year’s quarterback class, particularly projected first overall pick Trevor Lawrence. However, the skill position players deserve some recognition as well, with wide receivers like Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Kadarius Toney and Rashod Bateman all projected as high ranked prospects. However, it is becoming increasingly likely that a wide receiver may not be the first pass catcher off the board, as Florida tight end, Kyle Pitts is flying up draft boards.
While most of the hype for pass catchers before the season was around Chase, after a strong sophomore season at LSU, he opted out of the 2020 season as a result of the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Chase’s numbers were so impressive in the 2019 season that he is still considered a consensus top 3 wide receiver in this year’s class. He joins Waddle and Smith as one of the top three ranked wide receivers. While Waddle was unable to make the most out of his final season at Alabama to increase his draft stock, however his teammate Smith did take advantage of his opportunity, winning the Heisman Trophy after recording 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. However, many teams have some concerns that he could battle injuries at the next level due to his size.
Pitts on the other hand, seems to be rising continually, and has been doing so since the end of the season. Around the end of the season, many had Pitts mocked as a late first round pick in the 20-29 range, however he appears to be a consensus projected top 10 pick, with many leaning towards him being a top five pick and some mocking him as high as second overall to the New York Jets. Pitts turned 43 catches into 770 yards and 12 touchdowns, while averaging 17.9 yards per reception in only eight games.
Not only is Pitts very talented, but part of the reason he is in such high demand, is due to the scarcity of playmakers at the position. Very few teams are fully set at the tight end position, as there is a huge drop off at the position after Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Darren Waller. Adding a young player with immense upside at the position is an intriguing option for teams, as it will add a whole new dimension to the offense, particularly due to the potential mismatches it could create.
While the New York Jets have been linked to Pitts, it seems unlikely that they would select him unless they trade back so another team could select a quarterback, which is a possibility. The Jets have the second overall pick and are looking to improve at several different positions, so while Pitts would be a nice fit, unless they move back and accrue more draft capital, it seems more likely they will invest their first selection on a cornerstone position like left tackle or quarterback.
The Philadelphia Eagles are another team that has been oft linked to Pitts, and part of this is due to the team’s tendency to incorporate the tight end position into their passing game. With Zach Ertz likely on the way out, Dallas Goedert is expected to become the number one tight end. However, they did not shy away from taking Ertz when Brent Celek was still under contract and did not shy away from taking Goedert when Ertz was still under contract, so clearly the two tight end look is something they are very comfortable employing. Pitts would likely take the number two role at the start, while still getting significant playing time, before taking over the role for good when Goedert’s contract is up.
While it’s unclear where Pitts will go, it appears likely that it will be somewhere in the top 10 selections. Whichever team adds him will be adding a big bodied, athletic receiver at the tight end position, that they hope will serve as an elite red zone threat and someone who can stretch the field, while also making clutch catches on third down.