As Alex wrote recently, Chris Trapasso of CBS stated that Kyle Pitts is entering a make-it-or-break-it 2023 season.
We all thought the Falcons had selected a unicorn tight end in Pitts at No. 4 overall in the 2021 draft, especially after his 1,000-yard plus rookie season. No qualms about his selection over Ja’Marr Chase, who went immediately after him.
At this point in time, Atlanta’s decision looks silly. His second NFL season was riddled with a hamstring injury and then a season-ending knee injury. Pitts’ productivity outside of those ailments paled in comparison to what he did as a rookie. Two touchdowns on a mere 28 receptions for 356 yards. And he clearly was not a focal point of Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offense that toted the rock more than any other team in football last year. Pitts only won on three of 12 contested-catch situations last year, which seems impossible at his size and gargantuan catch radius. Which Pitts are we going to see in his third season? Especially with fellow top 10 picks Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson in the mix on offense?
After a record-breaking campaign as a rookie, Pitts disappointed–mostly fantasy owners–in his second season. However, for the highest drafted tight end in history, expectations are higher for him than they ever have been for a young player at the position.
So, is 2023 really a make it or break it year for Kyle Pitts?
On the latest episode of SportsTalkATL, we discuss what to expect from Pitts going into year three.
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