Road to TE1: Kyle Pitts

Three years have passed since Kyle Pitts became the highest tight end to be drafted in NFL history yet all there is to show for it thus far is a career-high TE6 PPR-league finish as a rookie. Regardless, Pitts has given managers reason for hope yet again in the offseason entering his fourth year.

As a draft prospect, Pitts drew scouts in with his athleticism and size, both of which were touted as the base of what could potentially make him the most talented tight end of all time. Yet after a promising rookie season that ended with a Pro Bowl, the prodigy has disappointed with just 1,023 combined receiving yards in his two ensuing seasons.

Despite the lack of production, much of Pitts' statistical flops have been attributed to the questionable approach of former head coach Arthur Smith. But after three years in Atlanta, Smith was let go in January and subsequently replaced by the defensive-minded Raheem Morris. With Smith no longer in his way, the high expectations are back for Pitts whose talent is still too much to ignore.

How Kyle Pitts can become the overall TE1 in 2024

Much like teammates Bijan Robinson and Drake London, the optimism surrounding Pitts entering 2024 is higher than ever before. Pitts has a longer track record of disappointment than Robinson and London but has arguably the most room to grow of the three.

With the benefit of the atrocious state of tight end, Pitts has been in the TE1 conversation his entire career if not solely based on the position's lack of new talent. But on paper, nothing since his rookie year has been exciting, particularly with him shockingly splitting snaps with veteran Jonnu Smith in 2023.

In 2023, Pitts was still second on the team in receiving yards behind London, albeit with a measly 667 yards on 53 receptions. Smith was not far behind him with 582 yards on 50 catches. For whatever reason Arthur Smith chose to stagger the reps of the walking mismatch in Pitts with a 28-year-old journeyman, both Smiths have left Atlanta after the year to theoretically put that headache in the past.

Positional battle aside, Pitts presumably will be the biggest beneficiary of Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. replacing the pitiful quarterback play of Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. Per PFF, only 69.8 percent of the passes thrown to Pitts were considered catchable in 2023, the second-worst rate amongst all eligible tight ends. Even with Cousins not at 100 percent, the change will be an upgrade.

Even with the disheartening start to his career, there are few tight ends with more potential in 2024 than Pitts. Potential has always been the damning story of Pitts throughout his brief career but after having everything work against him for three seasons, the road is finally clear for the former Gator to ultimately become an elite fantasy asset.