2021 NFL Draft: Kyle Pitts is a special tight end prospect

The Jacksonville Jaguars select Kyle Pitts in the first round of this 2021 NFL mock draft (Photo by Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports)
The Jacksonville Jaguars select Kyle Pitts in the first round of this 2021 NFL mock draft (Photo by Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Kyle Pitts is a dynamic 2021 NFL Draft prospect who has special upside at the tight end position

Florida tight end Kyle Pitts started the 2020 season off right with a massive performance against Ole Miss, piling up eight receptions for 170 yards and four touchdowns. Ever since that game, Pitts has been the clear top tight end prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft class and has proven himself as a premier offensive weapon for the Gators.

Pitts has cut his season short to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft but his ability to make an impact in the passing game stood out all season long. Pitts finished his final season at Florida with 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns in only eight games.

A big and athletic tight end prospect, Pitts is an absolute matchup nightmare in the middle of the field. He has the speed needed to separate from man coverage and stretch the field, and also has a long and large frame that makes him an appealing target to his quarterback. Pitts has a wide catch radius which consistently comes in handy in red zone situations.

While Pitts stands out as a premier target in the red zone and an exciting big-play weapon, his quickness and natural playmaking ability with the ball in his hands also makes him a major threat after the catch. Pitts can separate in short spaces and has a knack for breaking tackles with an impressive combination of quickness and power. With this combination of skills, Pitts can make plays in the passing game at all three levels of the defense.

Where will Pitts land?

Simply put, Pitts is a dynamic tight end prospect who has massive upside at the next level. He the clear top tight end in the 2021 NFL Draft class, but should be compared more to the wide receivers in the class because he does not offer much as a blocker. Pitts will line up outside or in the slot a majority of the time so comparing his playmaking ability to the wide receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft will make the most sense.

With guys like Ja’Marr Chase, Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle leading the way, there is an extremely exciting group of wide receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Pitts’ ability to dominate as a matchup nightmare in the middle of the field should put him right up with the top receivers in the class. Any team looking at wide receivers early in the draft should also be considering Pitts.

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Kyle Pitts is an absolute matchup nightmare on the field, proving to be too big for most defensive backs and too fast for most linebackers. Attack a pass-catcher need early in the 2021 NFL Draft with the selection of Kyle Pitts is going to be a path to success for an NFL team. In the end, Pitts should end up as a top 10 selection next April.