2021 NFL Draft: Kyle Pitts makes strong case for TE1

Florida’s Kyle Pitts makes a strong case to be the top tight end in the 2021 NFL Draft class with a dominant performance against Ole Miss.

Florida tight end Kyle Pitts exploded onto the scene with a dominant performance in the opener on Saturday. In the opening game against Ole Miss, Pitts caught 8 passes for 170 yards and four touchdowns. He was an incredible playmaker in the passing game all afternoon and may have taken over as TE1 in the 2021 NFL Draft class.

Most consider either Pitts or Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth to be the top tight end in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Freiermuth is probably the more well-rounded player who can impact the game as a receiver and a blocker, but Pitts has elite upside as a receiver in the middle of the field and undoubtedly fits the modern game extremely well.

He showed off his ability to make an impact in the passing game on Saturday, making play after play for quarterback Kyle Trask. Pitts showed an impressive combination of size, speed and athleticism at the position, shining in both contested-catch situation and as a playmaker after the catch. Pitts is the kind of guy who can you can get the ball to in space and let him work and can also be an exciting weapon in the red zone.

Pitts is never going to be a strong inline tight end option who his team can count on as a blocker, but he is a dynamic offensive weapon who can clearly dominate in the passing attack. Look no further than the highlight package above for proof.

Pitts is clearly a mismatch in the middle of the field, proving to be too big for most defensive backs and too athletic for most linebackers. He is on his way to having a massive season at Florida, could easily be the top tight end off of the board next April and has an extremely bright future at the next level. Pitts is without a doubt a star in the making.