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Florida hasn’t had an offensive skill position player selected in the first round of the NFL draft since Tim Tebow in 2010. But this year, it’s looking like the Gators could have two.
In Mel Kiper’s first mock draft for 2021, he has two offensive UF players slotted to go in the first round: tight end Kyle Pitts and receiver Kadarius Toney. For Pitts, he’s currently projected to go at 11th overall to the New York Giants after a fantastic junior season that saw him finish 10th in Heisman voting.
11. New York Giants
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Quarterback Daniel Jones cut down on his turnovers and showed some improvement in Year 2, but he still averaged only 6.6 yards per attempt. Even when he gets time to throw in the pocket, he doesn’t have a consistent downfield threat (though Darius Slayton was a nice fifth-round find in 2019). At 6-foot-6, Pitts has the size/speed traits to line up out wide, in the slot or next to an offensive tackle. And he showed off his ability after the catch by averaging 17.9 yards per reception with 12 touchdowns. Pitts is not a traditional tight end, but he’s a skilled offensive threat. And with Evan Engram on the roster, too, the Giants would have two of the most athletic — and versatile — tight ends in football.
The Giants are in desperate need of help in the receiving game, and a target like Pitts could do wonders in aiding his development.
NEXT: Florida’s second player projected in the first round