The Atlanta Falcons pick Kyle Pitts No. 4 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Falcons Pick Kyle Pitts No. 4 Overall In 2021 NFL Draft
The Atlanta Falcons had options with the fourth overall pick. Although they could have traded back and accumulated additional draft capital which would have spelled rebuilt, the Falcons stayed put and selected Florida TE Kyle Pitts. Drafting Pitts likely indicates that Atlanta will exploit the final productive years of QB Matt Ryan’s career and chase a Super Bowl.
A touted generational talent while being viewed as the only other “can’t miss" prospect in this year’s draft class along with new Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, Pitts joins an Atlanta offense that already had one of the best cast of pass-catchers in the NFL. Now, the Falcons’ offense is loaded with an embarrassment of riches at Ryan’s disposal.
With new HC Arthur Smith calling the shots — he emphasized the tight end position during his tenure as Titans offensive coordinator — look for Pitts to be deployed early and often. The Falcons still employ Hayden Hurst, a former first-round pick of the Ravens, which means we could see twin tight end sets with two versatile and athletic tight ends intimidating the enemy secondary with tier mismatch capability.
Kyle Pitts 2021 Fantasy Football Outlook
While Kyle Pitts joins an Atlanta offense featuring Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Hayden Hurst, the rookie tight end will be a heavily utilized component in Atlanta’s loaded offense. A mismatch nightmare who can line up all over the formation, enemy secondaries will be hard-pressed to contain the trio of Jones, Ridley, and Pitts. And since Pitts is the junior of the group, look for opposing defensive coordinators to test him which could mean an expended target-share.
Target Pitts as a middling TE1 with a ceiling high enough to challenge Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Darren Waller‘s positions as the de facto top three tight ends in fantasy as soon as 2022.
Kyle Pitts Dynasty Fantasy Football Outlook
In rookie drafts, Kyle Pitts should be taken in the top five now that we know his landing spot in Atlanta. If you have a loaded team but had some bad luck last season and are picking early, you may even be able to snag Pitts with a top-three pick.
It may sound outlandish, but landing in Atlanta’s high-powered passing attack with a reliable quarterback, a stud offensive coordinator, and enough weapons around him where he won’t be the focal points of enemy defenses, Pitts could be a league winner for years to come.
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Atlanta Falcons 2021 Bet Tips With Kyle Pitts
All Atlanta Falcons 2021 NFL Futures bets are provided by BetMGM. (New customers get a Second-Chance Bet of up to $600 by clicking here or using the code THEGAMEDAY.)
2021 Falcons Win Total Bet
- Over 7.5 (-110)
- Under 7.5 (-110)
The Falcons play in an NFC South division with question marks with the other two teams not called the Buccaneers. On paper, the Falcons have the most talented roster, especially on offense, with the addition of Pitts. They also have the second-best quarterback in this division. They could easily find 2-3 wins just playing the Saints and Panthers.
Considering the 17th game, I would take the Over on the Falcons’ 7.5 win total.
Falcons To Make Playoffs?
- Yes (+315)
- No (-400)
The NFC is loaded with talented teams and quarterbacks. While Pitts will get the Falcons to at least eight wins, a postseason berth may be hard to come by. The only way I am wagering the Falcons to make the playoffs is if they spend the rest of the draft attending to their defense. Otherwise, it will be their Achilles’ heel as it was in the latter part of the Dan Quinn era.
Falcons To Win NFC South (+600)
Barring an injury or massive regression from Buccaneers QB Tom Brady, I can’t see the Falcons challenging them for the NFC South crown. It is Tampa Bay’s to lose.
Falcons To Win Super Bowl 56 (+2500)
If the Falcons can rapidly fix their defense while Arthur Smith and Matt Ryan click early, there is a scenario in which the Falcons can make a Super Bowl run. Albeit is a longshot, I would take the Falcons over the Saints if I am wagering any NFC South club outside of Tampa Bay.
Kyle Pitts 2021 Prop Bet(s)
Kyle Pitts to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Prop Bet (+1200)
Kyle Pitts will have to have an unprecedented rookie season to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. This is not a knock on Pitts. It is the fact that this is a quarterback’s league.
