Kyle Pitts made history in 2021, becoming the highest drafted tight-end ever in the NFL. Drafting being viewed as a generational talent, the Atlanta Falcons were confident that Pitts would make an impact as soon as he stepped on the field.
He lived up to the hype in his rookie year, putting him in elite company with Mike Ditka as the only two rookie tight-ends to surpass 1,000 yards. His unique combination of size, route-running, speed, and agility made him a matchup nightmare for opposing linebackers and defensive backs to guard.
Though his production didn’t translate to a winning record, Pitts’ efforts were worthy of a Pro Bowl selection, becoming the first rookie tight-end to make the Pro Bowl since Jeremy Shockey in 2002.