NFL mock draft 2021: Four quarterbacks in the top five, Watson stays put

Kyle Pitts is one of the hardest prospects to place in a 2021 NFL mock draft. Where would a team realistically take a tight end? Is Kyle Pitts really a tight end? I don’t think there are many offensive weapons that will be more impactful than Pitts in this 2021 NFL Draft, and I think he could come off the board earlier than many expect.

In this particular 2021 NFL mock draft, Pitts falls just a bit in my opinion, right into the lap of the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers found their franchise quarterback in the first round a year ago and now can add arguably the most dynamic playmaker in this draft.

While LA could use a solid left tackle and help across their defense, Pitts is just too good to pass up. Factor in the fact that current tight end, Hunter Henry, is set to hit free agency, this pairing makes a lot of sense.

Pitts is listed as a tight end, but he is much more than that. Pitts is a matchup nightmare regardless of where he lines up. Whether it is on the line, in the slot or split out wide, Pitts is a difference-maker.

As a route runner, Pitts looks like a receiver. He is polished and very athletic to take advantage of a slower linebacker. Against a defensive back, he uses his big and physical frame to shield off defenders and make an easy catch. A simple slant will allow Pitts to make a big play against anyone lined up against him.

Pitts reminds me a ton of a guy like Darren Waller, who had an outstanding season in 2020. If the Chargers can use Pitts in a similar fashion, after Justin Herbert’s Rookie of the Year debut, the Chargers will be a force to be reckoned with. Competing in a division with Waller and Travis Kelce, getting a playmaking tight end of their own could go a long way.