Kyle Pitts: The top tight end of the 2021 NFL Draft?

Analyzing the strengths of Kyle Pitts

The biggest tool in Pitts’ toolbox is his combination of size, speed, and athleticism. Pitts has an innate ability to work his way into space, and provide a safety blanket for his quarterback. He has a high-level understanding of how to shift and contort his body in a way that allows separation, then “get big” when it’s time to give his quarterback someone to target.

This also shows up in Pitts’ catch radius. Pitts is one of those players who, if you get the ball anywhere near him, it’s likely he’s going to be the one to come down with it. He shows an incredible ability to go up and snag inaccurate passes — an invaluable skill.

The other big strength that Pitts has is, well, his strength. While Pitts doesn’t have the functional strength to hold up as an in-line blocker with consistency, he has more than enough upper body strength in the passing game. Pitts has become adept at using his strength to bully opposing corners and safeties, allowing him to manufacture separation in his routes.

The combination of his sheer size, his strength in the upper body, and his speed makes him a dangerous pass catcher. He’s likely to be used outside more often than not, lining up as a slot receiver more often than a traditional in-line tight end. Which is just fine considering how the game is evolving.