WATCH: Kyle Pitts plows through Browns defenders
Atlanta Falcons rookie tight end Kyle Pitts has been one of the most anticipated rookies to watch in the National Football League.
Tonight he showed everyone why as it took several Browns defenders to bring him down in the open field. Check the video below.
It was a 27-yard catch for Pitts and he did a beautiful drop of slipping underneath the coverage by the Browns.
Then when it came time to tackle him, Cleveland’s defenders simply could find no answer to bring him down until they brought in reinforcements.
Kyle Pitts Prospect Profile
Kyle Pitts is 6-foot-6, 245-pounds and runs a 4.49 40 yard dash. His 40 yard dash time puts him in the 99th percentile for a player his size.
Those type of measurables and that world-class speed for a player his size are a big reason why he was drafted inside the top five of the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s going to be a matchup nightmare. He’s also got a catch radius of 10.21, which puts him in the 85th percentile, according to PlayerProfiler.com.
The former Florida star is also blessed with an incredible wingspan. His 83 3/8 wingspan is the longest wingspan of any wide receiver or tight end in the NFL in the last 20 years, according to PFF. Check the graphic below.
He’s one of the most unique tight end prospects to come along in a really, really long time.
Rave Reviews of Kyle Pitts
PFF’s Sam Monson was gushing about Pitts in his pre-draft write-up.
“Pitts is a phenomenal prospect, and he may be the best receiver in the draft, regardless of position.”
One of his favorite parts of Pitts’ skill set is his uncanny speed for a prospect his size. He wrote:
“There’s a play against Ole Miss where Pitts just goes Tecmo Bowl on the whole defense, beating one poor guy at least two different times on the play and then outrunning the defense into the end zone. His movement skills are simply stellar.” The Ole Miss highlights for Pitts are below, if curious.
The Ole Miss defense kept searching for answers and simply couldn’t find them against Pitts, as he shredded them for eight catches, 170 yards, and four touchdowns.
Florida Accolades
Pitts hung up his cleats at Florida as the school’s all-time leader for receiving yards by a tight end. He also ranked second in Gator history in career receptions at the position.
In 2020, he hauled in 43 catches for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns. He finished 10th in the Heisman Trophy voting, becoming the first tight end to finish in the top 10 in 43 years.
Kyle Pitts and the Atlanta Falcons kick off their 2021 campaign against the Philadelphia Eagles. Kickoff is set for Sept. 12 at 1:00 p.m. EST.