Surely you have heard of the magnificent Kyle Pitts. The heralded rookie set a record the second he was drafted fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. The highest tight end ever drafted had a great rookie year. He’s the main point of attack for a lackluster Falcons offense. Pitts will continue to build on an impressive rookie year. That would mean he avoids the second-year slumps many NFL players go through.
2021 Season
Pitts lit up the NFL world making impressive catches and even bigger runs after the catch. He led the Falcons easily in targets (110), receptions (68), and yards (1,026). Those were tops among rookie TEs. He was playing with vet QB Matt Ryan and with offense surrounding him like Russell Gage, Calvin Ridley, Hayden Hurst, Cordarrelle Patterson, and others. Pitts displayed the Falcons made a wise choice selecting him. He is undoubtedly the most talented TE in the NFL or at least possesses the highest ceiling.
2022 Season Outlook
The Atlanta Falcons underwent many changes before second-year head coach Arthur Smith’s season was underway. They traded long-time QB Matt Ryan and replaced him with journeyman Marcus Mariota and rookie Desmond Ridder. The Falcons added rookie WR Drake London to replace outgoing WR Russell Gage. Meanwhile, Ridley got suspended for the entire 2022 season. Therefore, the Falcons don’t have a bunch of weapons aside from Pitts, London, and the returning Patterson. Below, I’ve listed my projections for Pitts in 2022.
Mariota/Ridder is a downgrade for Pitts, which drags his catch percentage down, despite a considerable rise in targets. These numbers would still be one of the best among NFL TEs. He would catch four TDs, three more than his rookie year. In PPR scoring, he would average 13.6 points per game. That is a massive number for TE. You will want Pitts playing for your dynasty team this year.
The arguments to trade for or away Pitts
I guess I ruined the surprise of what I am about to say. There are zero arguments for trading Pitts off your dynasty roster. He’s only 22, so he fits your rebuild or win-now team. Pitts could start for your team for the next decade. Plus, his price is rightfully extremely high.
I know many people who would not even hear an offer for Pitts. In fact, in a recent Superflex TEP dynasty startup draft, Pitts got selected third overall! If you have a chance to acquire him at all, do it. He is probably around three firsts in trade value. If you’re a TE away from having a complete team and Pitts is available, get him. It’s doubtful Pitts is available.
Summary
Pitts will seek to avoid the dreaded second-year curse. He certainly has the talent. After a supreme rookie year, Pitts is poised to do even better with a new pair of QBs and a new star WR next to him. Don’t be surprised if Pitts is in the conversation for the TE1 overall finish this year. He is the latest star at TE in the NFL. I have him averaging 13.6 points per game which is a healthy amount.
If you somehow have a shot at acquiring Pitts, do it. If you currently have him, do not trade him. Trading him won’t work out long-term unless you get a complete overpay. Replacing a star TE is the hardest thing to do in the dynasty fantasy football realm. Be smart and keep Pitts – the best is only just beginning to come.
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As always, May the Force be with You…