QB Matt Ryan wanted Falcons to draft TE Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had plenty to say Tuesday about the unknown future of star wide receiver Julio Jones, his own role with the organization both for the 2021 season and beyond, and also about the Falcons using the fourth pick of this year's draft on highly rated Florida Gators tight end Kyle Pitts. 

Ryan didn't necessarily admit to studying mock drafts, but he made it clear he was familiar with Pitts' work in college. 

"Those are the things that you look at as a quarterback and you’re like man, I’d love to play with a guy like that," the 36-year-old signal-caller explained, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

Ryan is already a fan of the new addition early into their stints as teammates. 

"The thing that I’ve been impressed with for him is just his humility and his ability to want to work in the first couple of weeks," Ryan continued. "I think that’s genuine. I would encourage him to stay that way because to me when you constantly trying to get better and improve, that’s the way you get to where you want to go. He’s certainly off to a good start."

Ahead of this year's draft, some viewed Pitts as the top all-around player of his class. If that proves to be the case, Ryan may "have a lot of good football" ahead of him as he confidently suggested.