2021 NFL Draft: Five first-round targets for the New England Patriots
By Ian Higgins
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Kyle Pitts TE
2020 Starters: Ryan Izzo, Devin Asiasi
Since the retirement of all-time tight end Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots offense has seen a distinct lack of production from the position. Even off of the stat sheet, the New England offense is unable to produce in the same manner they previously had without such a dominant size-mismatch that can be placed within any receiving alignment.
After selecting two tight ends in last year’s draft, the Patriots have still failed to see the return of such a player to their offense.
One of the most popular pairings of any 2021 NFL mock draft, the top tight end of the 2021 NFL Draft, and possibly the best receiving prospect of the class would be the perfect solution if available at 15 overall.
Offering an imposing height advantage at six-foot-six with seam-busting speed for a tight end, Florida’s Kyle Pitts is an offense-changing weapon.
A multi-alignment receiver for the Florida Gators, Pitts is a number one wide receiver with the physical profile to be placed at tight end. Combining overbearing size with rare movement skills for his size, Pitts is a mismatch monster capable of even challenging a player along the likes of Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
Making a conscious effort in his senior season to improve his run-blocking to become a more complete player, the New England Patriots could see a return to their tight end-centered offensive schematics with Pitts receiving ability and every-down run blocking versatility.