ATLANTA — Instead of drafting his heir, the Atlanta Falcons added another target for Matt Ryan with their first pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
New general manager Terry Fontenot and new head coach Arthur Smith selected University of Florida tight end Kyle Pitts with the No. 4 pick Thursday night.
In a news conference, Pitts said he thinks the Falcons are making a great investment in drafting him.
“Tight ends last long and they have a long career. I don’t really feel the pressure that maybe people are going to put on me,” Pitts said. “Is he a boom or bust? Should he have been taken as high? I think I should have. I think I’m worth the money and worth the pick. In the end, everyone will be happy with the pick.”
New Falcons TE Kyle Pitts:
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) April 30, 2021
I don’t feel the pressure... I think I’m worth the $$ and worth the pick pic.twitter.com/qRGX36onWB
Pitts is arguably the most athletically gifted player in this year’s draft. Scouts are comparing Pitts to Rob Gronkowski, George Kittle and Travis Kelce.
The tight end averaged more yards per reception in the 2020 season than Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith who went on to win the Heisman Trophy.
A look inside the war room the moment Kyle Pitts became a Falcon. pic.twitter.com/zGLh31hlGO
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 30, 2021
Pitts is the highest selected tight end in NFL draft history, going one spot higher than Riley Odom to Denver in 1972. Before the merger, Mike Ditka was also drafted fifth overall by Chicago in 1961.
For the rest of the draft, the Falcons currently have picks No. 35, No. 68, No. 108, No. 148, No. 182, No. 183, No. 187 and No. 219.
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