Four Atlanta Falcons in a much better situation heading into the 2024 season

There’s a lot of talk about the Atlanta Falcons’ lack of production at tight end and who they could have drafted instead. Not enough attention is paid to what Pitts has done at the NFL level in less than ideal circumstances. After starting his freshman year with veteran Matt Ryan and closing in on the rookie record, Pitts took a huge step back and dealt with a season-ending injury.

Pitts had 356 receiving yards and 667 yards over the next two seasons with Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder as his primary quarterbacks. Give Pitts immense credit for not letting his frustration with the situation show and for playing when he wasn’t completely back to his old self in the 2023 season.

Kyle Pitts is an elite weapon who was put in a bad situation by his head coach and quarterbacks. This isn’t to say there aren’t areas the tight end can’t improve, but rather to highlight the reality of a star player who was often an afterthought to the benefit of lesser talents. His willingness to improve as a blocker and not demand the football speaks to the teammate and player he is.

It will pay off this season with a capable offensive coordinator and a veteran quarterback who will look for the biggest target on the field.