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PLAYER ANALYSIS: Will there be a sophomore slump for Falcons’ TE Kyle Pitts?

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Mark Kirkley | Last updated 7/6/22

Atlanta Falcons rookie tight end Kyle Pitts was a force for the Atlanta Falcons offense and havoc for other teams’s defenses during his first year in the NFL. Drafted No. 4 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, Pitts was a need for the team after former Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones jetted off to the Tennessee Titans. The Falcons needed that force as a #1 catcher, be it the tight end position, to help spread out the offense for Head Coach Arthur Smith. After wide receiver Calvin Ridley took a mental break, later to be suspended by the league for one-year for gambling, the team needed stability in the catching duties. Pitts ended last year second in the history among first year tight ends in receiving yards, compiling 1,026 yards. In 1961, Chicago Bears rookie Tight End Mike Ditka ended the season with 1,076 yards. That was then, this is now. Going into Pitts second season, many sports outlets has listed him as one of the top five tight ends in the league.

Last year Pitts had QB Matt Ryan, this year Pitts is not sure who will be under center when the season kicks off September 11 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as the Falcons host the New Orleans Saints. Falcons picked up QB Cincinnati Bearcats Desmond Ridder in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft. But Ridder will be competing with free agent pickup QB Marcus Mariota for the starting nod for game one. Pitts has been gaining a good report with both quarterbacks, and has gained trust from both during this offseason. As trading camp picks up steam later this most, that report will need to intensify.

Many break out players that hit the road running their rookie season seem to take a step back their sophomore season, 2nd year in the league as teams get to study film on the player. Here are three reasons why I do not believe Pitts will have a sophomore slump during the 2022 season.

Pitts will be the number one receiver for the Falcons in 2022. Pitts will have a target on his back because he will be the go-to receiver for either Ridder or Mariota. Pitts will be the number one read for the Atlanta quarterback(s). With Pitts 6’6 height and 246 pound frame and jumping ability, he can snatch the ball high out of the air, has good route running, and has 4.44 speed to outrun the defenders.
Pitts will increase his yards from last year. He will have 1,400 plus receiving yards and will finally catch his first touchdown on American soil in game one versus the New Orleans Saints. Pitts only touchdown last year came in a 27-20 win against the New York Jets over the pond in Great Britain. Pitts did score a touchdown in the 2021 Pro Bowl, but that TD doesn’t count in the books.
My bold prediction is Pitts will have 16 touchdowns this season…two by way of rushing.

Move over Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, Pitts will be the offensive leader of this team for many years to come.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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