The Atlanta Falcons have a similar pass-catching monster in waiting if they decide to trade Julio Jones in their No. 4 overall pick Kyle Pitts.
Many NFL draft experts proclaimed that the former Florida tight end was the best non-quarterback this year. Therefore, it’s not surprising that CBS Sports’ Jason La Confora pegged Matt Ryan’s new weapon to win Offensive Rookie of the Year when he released his fearless predictions for the 2021 season.
This guy is a machine. Impervious to defenders and scheme and pain and anything else. Matt Ryan lives to throw to his tight ends and they will be trailing in a ton of games because they are always trailing in a ton of their games. They have no defense, which will allow this amazing young talent to rack up yards and scores against soft defenses playing with a lead. And he doesn’t need that, because he is going to be an unstoppable force no matter what. But having those advantages baked into the cake as a rookie can’t possibly hurt.
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If the rumors about Jones wanting out of Atlanta hadn’t surfaced, I would’ve disagreed with Confora here. Pitts would’ve had a difficult time snagging enough catches between Jones and wide receiver Calvin Ridley to win the award.
But I believe the Falcons will trade Jones sooner rather than later, which will open up more opportunities to score more touchdowns and make more catches. That’s enough to make me stand with Confora here.
The common NFL comparison for Pitts is Darren Waller of the Raiders, however, I don’t think there is an NFL tight end out there that Pitts plays like.
He has the frame and stature of a typical tight end, but his speed and route running screams wide receiver which is why there isn’t a perfect comparison out there.
Pitts may not like to hear this, but Atlanta’s defense is atrocious where it sat near last in every statistical category. The Falcons ranked 31st in points allowed and total yards given up. This will also yield more chances for Pitts to pad his stats like Confora said.
Don’t be shocked if Pitts runs away with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award this season.
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