NEXT ON OUR SCOUTING REPORTS IS KYLE PITTS. CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR PREVIOUS SCOUTING REPORTS BELOW.
BACKGROUND
- Height: 6’6”
- Weight: 239 lbs
- College: Florida
- Year: Junior
- Position: Tight End
Kyle Pitts is likely the first tight end taken in the 2021 NFL Draft and has had an outstanding season at Florida.
Pitts was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he attended Archbishop Wood Catholic School. He played both tight end and defensive end and was selected to play in the All-American Game twice. Pitts committed to Florida over a number of division 1 teams that included Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Miami and the like.
Throughout his college career Pitts has been productive. In the Gators’ 2020 season, Pitts played and started all 8 games and contributed 43 receptions, 770 yards, 12 touchdowns averaging over 17 yards per reception. He was also named a finalist for both the Biletnikoff Award and the Mackey Award.
With Pitts you are buying into potential and production. He has had tremendous production as a Gator, but also has the potential to improve and get better at the next level. He has a high floor and a high ceiling.
Pitts is a predominantly pass catching tight end and excels as a receiver. He is a complete mismatch for opposing defenders. Pitts has all the traits you would hope for in a quality receiver prospect and is likely to be gone early come draft day.
Watch the video below which displays Pitts pass catching prowess. Look out for number #84.
STRENGTHS
- Measurables
- Athleticism
- Ball Skills
- Explosive Playmaker
Kyle Pitts is a pass catching tight end who has a unique combination of strength, quickness, size and athleticism. His athletic ability is rarely found at the tight end position.
Pitts’ athleticism is that of a wide receiver, but in a tight ends body and his incredible size and length make him a match-up nightmare.
Pitts’ blend of athleticism and size means he is really difficult to cover. His size makes it especially difficult for linebackers to contain. Meaning he has and will continue to have a lot of success on slants and in routes at the next level.
He often gets open when up against man coverage because he merges all his traits together to create a deadly cocktail.
This playmaker’s ability to create separation is natural and easy. He is always favourite to come down with the ball when contesting a catch. This is because Pitts’s size and strength give him such an advantage. His hands are sticky and he can climb the ladder to compete with any defender.
Pitts’ size and length also means he has a great catch radius. He is also a good route runner and would probably still be a top pick if he was a wideout.
Pitts does have the comprehensive speed and staying power to generate big plays and has a good initial burst off the line to beat his opponent.
The ability to line Pitts up all over the line of scrimmage will only add to his versatility in the NFL. He can be flexed out wide and has worked out with the wide receiver group while at Florida. It is one factor as to why he is such a dynamic weapon.
WEAKNESSES
- Blocking
- Used Predominantly as an Extra Receiver
Pitts does a lot of things well, but his one flaw is his blocking.
His blocking ability is subpar, but it is something that can be coached. When asked to block, Pitts can over extend and doesn’t provide a great base with his lower body.
It means he can get pushed around at the line of scrimmage and relying on his upper body strength is asking for trouble against bigger NFL opponents.
Pitts has the enthusiasm and the strength to be an efficient blocker; he just needs some direction. He could also add some weight to his frame which would help his anchor when in blocking sets.
As a pass catching tight end, it is yet to be seen how much teams will want to use him as a blocker, but refining and elevating his technique will be imperative to profitable play calling.
Pitts has essentially been asked to play as an extra receiver for at Florida and NFL teams would be wise to use him as such. Despite the versatility he offers in the passing game, his ability to block may hinder the run game or any deceptive play calls that are made.
SUMMARY
When watching Pitts, his evaluation turns into that of a wide receiver. He has all the traits you would look for in a top draw, quality receiver. NFL teams would be silly not to use him in that role.
With some extra coaching his blocking technique will be enhanced. He possesses all the potential to be a top talent at the position and will only improve.
Merging all Pitts’s talents and skills is what makes him such an explosive, offensive weapon. He has the skill set and measurables to fit straight in at the next level. Pitts will be a quarterback’s best friend in the NFL, as he has been so often in college.
He truly is a match-up nightmare and he should be expected to have an instant impact for any team in the NFL.
Draft projection: 1st Round
How good of a prospect is Kyle Pitts? Let us know over on Twitter @NinetynineYards and @Owain_Jones_
FEATURE IMAGE CREDIT: AP Photo/John Raoux
VIDEO CREDIT: CFB ON FOX/KIELPRO88 YOUTUBE CHANNEL