NFL mock draft season is in full swing as the days wane down to April 29, when the annual festivities start and former college players find their way into the professional ranks. For a pair of Florida football alumni, the prospects are looking quite good as draft day approaches — as well for the program, which has not had an offensive skill position player selected in the first round since Tim Tebow in 2010.
Tight end Kyle Pitts, a generational talent that could be considered a freak athlete at any position, has had the most bullish assessments of his skill set so far, frequently landing in the top five of mock drafts around the media. In CBS Sports’ latest mock of their own, the former Florida Gator once again finds himself in elite company on Day 1 of the draft. Here is what the article’s author Bryan DeArdo had to say about Pitts.
Round 1 – Pick 4
PROJECTED TEAM: Atlanta Falcons
PROSPECT RANK: 5th
POSITION RANK: 1stThe top-rated tight end in the draft is heading to Atlanta to join quarterback Matt Ryan and receivers Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage. In Pitts, the Falcons are getting a 6-foot-5, 245-pound athlete who is essentially a receiver in a tight end’s body. Pitts should quickly help improve a Falcons offense that was just 25th in the NFL in red zone efficiency last season.
It is absolutely crystal clear the value that the UF alumnus can bring to a team at the next level and there is a great chance that he could be the highest-drafted tight end in 51 years. But for his fellow pass-catching teammate Kadarius Toney, things have been much more uncertain. Fortunately, there is some good news on that front.
NEXT: Wide receiver Kadarius Toney moves up on the draft board