Kyle Pitts: The Falcons' Rising Tight End – Potential, Struggles, and the Future

Kyle Pitts: A First-Round Star with High Expectations

Kyle Pitts is one of the most intriguing and debated prospects in the NFL. Selected 25th overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts immediately generated immense hype due to his exceptional talent and physical tools. However, translating that potential into consistent production has been a significant challenge. This article will delve into Pitts’ journey, exploring his strengths, weaknesses, and the factors contributing to his rollercoaster performance, along with predictions for his future with the Falcons.

Early Promise and Initial Struggles

Coming out of University of Georgia, Pitts was widely considered a generational tight end prospect. Scouts lauded his size (6’5", 242 lbs), athleticism, and route-running ability – traits rarely combined in a player at the position. His college tape showcased a smooth, precise receiver's technique, allowing him to create separation and make contested catches. During his time at Georgia, he consistently displayed the ability to win one-on-one matchups against high-quality defensive backs. In 2020, he had 64 receptions for 11,628 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-SEC honors. Despite this impressive performance, he entered the NFL with a significant weight of expectation. Initial concerns revolved around his ability to handle the speed and physicality of the NFL game, a common challenge for athletic tight ends transitioning from college.

Despite starting 10 games in his rookie season, Pitts’ production was inconsistent. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he also struggled with drops and missed catches, particularly against strong coverage. He finished his rookie season with 68 receptions for 793 yards and 6 touchdowns, numbers that, while respectable for a rookie, fell short of the immense hype surrounding him. The Falcons' offensive struggles in 2021 undoubtedly contributed to this perception.

The Falcons’ Offensive Struggles and Pitts’ Role

The Atlanta Falcons offense in 2021 was widely considered among the worst in the NFL. The offensive line struggled to provide adequate protection, the running game was ineffective, and the passing game lacked a clear identity. This challenging environment significantly impacted Pitts’ ability to thrive. He was often isolated against single defenders, and the offense’s inability to consistently move the ball hampered his opportunities to make plays. Furthermore, the Falcons' offensive play-calling often lacked a specific focus on utilizing Pitts’ strengths – his route-running and ability to create separation.

According to ESPN, Pitts was targeted 85 times in his rookie season, a high number for a tight end, indicating the Falcons' initial attempts to feature him prominently. However, this high volume didn’t translate into significant gains, highlighting the systemic issues impacting the offense.

Recent Performance and Adjustments

In the 2022 season, the Falcons made significant changes to their offensive scheme, hiring Arthur Smith as head coach and implementing a more pass-heavy approach. This shift created more opportunities for Pitts. He was utilized more as a receiver, particularly in the short and intermediate passing game, and was occasionally targeted as a check-down option.

During the 2022 season, Pitts had 89 receptions for 1,016 yards and 9 touchdowns. These numbers represented a substantial improvement compared to his rookie season, demonstrating that he was beginning to develop a better understanding of the NFL game and adapt to the Falcons' evolving offensive system. However, he still experienced occasional struggles with drops and missed catches, particularly against the league’s top-tier cornerbacks.

Key Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Strengths:

• Size and Athleticism: Pitts possesses the rare combination of size and athleticism for a tight end, allowing him to win one-on-one matchups and make contested catches.
• Route-Running Ability: His college route-running skills translate well to the NFL, enabling him to create separation from defenders.
• Hands: He demonstrates reliable hands and the ability to make difficult catches.
• Vertical Threat: His height and athleticism allow him to be a genuine vertical threat downfield.

Areas for Improvement:

• Consistency: Reducing drops and improving overall catch-percentage remains a key area of focus.
• Yards After Catch (YAC): While he's improving, he could benefit from developing more elusive running skills after securing the catch.
• Run Blocking: While not expected to be a primary blocker, he needs to refine his blocking technique to be more effective.

Statistics (2023 Season): As of November 27, 2023, Pitts has 45 receptions for 534 yards and 3 touchdowns. His target share is around 20%, showing he's a consistent, though not dominant, part of the Falcons' offense.

The Future of Kyle Pitts

Kyle Pitts' future with the Atlanta Falcons hinges on his continued development and the team’s ability to maximize his potential. With Arthur Smith's offensive system, Pitts has shown signs of becoming the dominant tight end many envisioned when he was drafted. The Falcons' investment in him indicates they believe he can be a cornerstone of their offense for years to come. His continued growth will be pivotal to the Falcons' success. It's anticipated he will continue to evolve into a more complete receiver, potentially becoming a top-tier receiving threat at the tight end position – provided he can maintain his focus and improve his consistency.