McGinn: Anonymous Scouts On Kyle Pitts

[darthseinfeld]

Kyle Pitts, Florida (6-foot-6, 250 pounds): Maybe the least nit-picked player in the draft. “The question was, could he block better in 2020 than he did in ’19?” said one scout. “In ’19, he blocked like crap. This year, he defied all the odds, gained some weight and blocked his *** off. Low-maintenance. Loves football. He’s a difference-maker. I think he had zero drops this year. More fluid than Vernon Davis.” Averaged 17.9 yards per catch in final season.

“He’s better than the two guys from Iowa two years ago (T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant) combined,” a second scout said. “He has Hall of Fame potential as a receiver. Just unique.” Regarded by one team as the second-best player in the draft. “You look at (Travis) Kelce and (George) Kittle, the success they’ve had, there’s no comparison as far as athletic ability to this guy,” a third scout said. “I usually don’t go for that position that high, but I would take him in the top 10. He even tries to block. Played hurt, too. For a young quarterback, I’d like to have this guy on my team.”

 

[chagus]

He's a VERY GOOD football player, no doubt.

 

[morasp]

I'm torn between taking him if he falls to 10 or trading back for more picks. His draft profile is really good and NFL has him ranked second with anything above 7 a pro bowl talent.

1. Lawrence 7.4
2. Pitts 7.19
3. Smith 7.15
4. Chase 7.05
5. Surtain 7.02

Overview
While the player comparison for the purposes of this scouting report is Darren Waller, Pitts may have the traits and talent to create mismatches similar to those created by Calvin Johnson and Tyreek Hill. His rare blend of size, athleticism and ball skills are reminiscent of Megatron’s. His ability as a pass-catching tight end could force defenses in his division to alter the way they construct their roster. He’s a tough matchup for most linebackers and too big for most cornerbacks. He offers offensive coordinators the ability to align him all over the field and, like Waller, can become a highly targeted, highly productive pass catcher from the tight end position. He puts in effort as a blocker but with limited success. That’s not what makes him special, though. Along with Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, Pitts has a chance to become the biggest game-changer in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Strengths

• Challenging matchup who might require specialty defenders.
• Rare combination of size, speed, athleticism and elite ball skills.
• Puts in work on all three levels as pass catcher.
• Allows offense to align him into mismatches against static coverage schemes.
• Keeps defender on the back foot with alterations of route speed.
• Clever workarounds in space without getting slowed.
• Quick accelerator to explode past off-man near the line.
• Turn burst and long strides create instant separation for quarterback.
• Hand chops dislodge grabby defender inside the route.
• Quick to locate and track the throw while maintaining positioning.
• Tremendous poise with laser-sharp focus on contested catches.
• Clears catch space suddenly with subtle hand-fighting.
• Body control and timing make time stand still as airborne baller.
• Should consistently win back-shoulder and red-zone looks.
• Catches with strong, soft hands and consistent extension.
• Eliminated his focus drops in 2020.
• Good effort in trying to stay connected to the block.

 

[Gaede]

If he's there, you have to take him.

If your scouts are saying he's a potential hall of fame player, there is no question he's the pick.

 

[darthseinfeld]

If he's there, you have to take him.

If your scouts are saying he's a potential hall of fame player, there is no question he's the pick.

My thoughts exactly. He is just too good to pass. We have alot of draft picks in the first rounds this year, including a high second rounder. We have alot of ammo outside the first round to put into the defense. Outside of that, while there are some nice players, there isnt a unit changing talent at defense in the top 15

 

[visionary]

Have to sign a starting FS and starting DT in FA so that we can take him if he’s there

 

[Gaede]

My thoughts exactly. He is just too good to pass. We have alot of draft picks in the first rounds this year, including a high second rounder. We have alot of ammo outside the first round to put into the defense. Outside of that, while there are some nice players, there isnt a unit changing talent at defense in the top 15

Totally. And you have to look long term in the draft, too. We need immediate help in D, yeah, but who knows what will transpire in the next few years in terms of injuries, trades, players blossoming etc... Have to take the playmaker when you have the chance

 

[Cowboyny]

My thoughts exactly. He is just too good to pass. We have alot of draft picks in the first rounds this year, including a high second rounder. We have alot of ammo outside the first round to put into the defense. Outside of that, while there are some nice players, there isnt a unit changing talent at defense in the top 15

I agree, he is a special talent that might be too good to pass up. Not only is he a mismatch player, but would really help our red zone offense that has struggled for some time since Dez has left.

 

[Aven8]

If he’s there I’m shipping Jarwin off.

 

[Landryhat73]

If we draft Pitts then it’s time to seriously consider trading Gallup and trying to recoup a 2nd round pick. Think we definitely need to come away with a starting free safety in the draft. Either Grant or Holland assuming Pitts is the pick at 10. Can’t see us spending $10 million in free agency on a safety. Need a rotational CB, this could come in free agency, then draft one in the 3rd. Also need a starting nose tackle, maybe Malcom Brown then draft another in the 2nd or 3rd.

 

[RS12]

Have to think the scouts of some of the 9 teams ahead of us will be pounding the table for him.

 

[Bowdown27]

If he's there, you have to take him.

If your scouts are saying he's a potential hall of fame player, there is no question he's the pick.

Agreed. I think he had no shot of getting to us. He’s going to be special.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

We had a great TE for years that was a chains mover, but haven't had one that is a game changer. I would have no problem with Pitts if we were able to score the DT and either S or CB that we need in FA. And yes, adding him would make me more likely to see what the interest in Gallup is.

 

[Uncle_Hank]

Pitts basically replaces Jarwin and Gallup at the same time. You could flip one of them for more defensive help.

 

[Creeper]

I don't see him getting past the Eagles, if he makes it to the Eagles.

 

[KingintheNorth]

Have to sign a starting FS and starting DT in FA so that we can take him if he’s there

An off-season of Patrick Peterson (Safety convert). Malcolm Brown (just waived by Saints), and Kyle Pitts is a great day at the office.

Just hope like heck you find a decent CB in rounds 2 through 4.

 

[visionary]

Pitts basically replaces Jarwin and Gallup at the same time. You could flip one of them for more defensive help.

Exactly
You need to have a plan in place that if you take Pitts at 10 you can flip Gallup for a rd 2/3 pick and get defensive help

 

[TwoDeep3]

Imagine Lamb and Pitts lining up in the slot in an I formation.

I believe Dallas would call that the, "You're Screwed" formation.

 

[NEODOG]

Pitts made Trask a Heisman finalists


And the SEC title game is more proof of that statement holding truth

I'd take Pitts in a heartbeat @10......unless I'm offered a ransom

 

[rags747]

Do you throw in a 3rd to move up two spots for Pitts to get ahead of Philly?