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Former Florida tight end is nearly unanimously considered to be the top tight end in this draft class and one of the best players available overall. But in a conversation on ESPN with former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky, draft analyst Mel Kiper went a step further when asked where Kyle Pitts stacks up against the best tight end prospects of all time.
“No. 1,” he said. “I go back to Kellen Winslow Sr. when I first started in this business coming out of Missouri had a tremendously high grade, Kellen Winslow Jr. did as well, Vernon Davis, but, after it’s all said and done… Kyle Pitts is the highest-rated tight end ever.”
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There certainly haven’t been many prospects like Pitts at the tight end position. His combination of size, speed and ball skills is practically unmatched, and there’s a reason he’s considered a sure thing at the next level.
Orlovsky followed up Kiper’s praise with a question about where Pitts would stack up as a receiver in this class compared to other top options like Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle and Devonta Smith.
“I have him No. 2 (overall) behind Trevor Lawrence,” Kiper said. “So to answer your question, he’s the highest-rated receiving entity in this draft and the highest-rated tight end ever.”
This is high praise for Pitts, but it’s nothing new. He’s been commonly mocked in the top five picks, especially to the Falcons at fourth overall. If Atlanta were to make that move, he’d be the highest-drafted tight end in the modern era of the NFL and the highest in general since Billy Cannon in 1960.
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