Cowboys 2021 draft prospects: Florida TE Kyle Pitts scouting report

The Cowboys have the 10th overall pick in the upcoming 2021 NFL draft. For the most part, the consensus has been that the Cowboys will use it on a defensive player, most likely a cornerback, or just maybe an offensive tackle. But could a different player make the Cowboys do something different? Let’s examine.

Name: Kyle Pitts

School: Florida

Height: 6-5

Weight: 240

Class: Junior

Position: TE

Jersey: #84

Strengths:

There’s no player in college football that is more dominant at their respective position than Kyle Pitts. Possessing elite size, athleticism, and ball skills, Pitts is a matchup nightmare at the next level. Pitts’ ability to play above the rim, create separation, and dominate both the middle of the field and boundary is a treat to watch. Pitts has the ability to play in-line, as a big-slot, or even on the boundary as a wide receiver given his physical and athletic traits. Silky smooth hands with the ability to snag the football out of the air up and away from his frame with ease. Catch radius is ridiculous at all three levels of the field, making no throw too bad when targeting the 6-5, 240-lb pass-catcher. Exceptional athlete that runs routes with ease at all three levels of the field. While he’s not a dominant in-line blocker, and you won’t want him to stay in that area, he showed good hand placement, and drive as a run-blocker at times at Florida. The tools are there for him to be a quality blocker at the next level. Would add yet another dynamic weapon to the Cowboys offense, and could allow them to take the elite step from an offensive perspective.

Weaknesses:

While he shouldn’t be considered a bad blocker, he’s not a guy you don’t want to play in-line for a high percentage of snaps. He has run-after-catch ability, thought he left some yards on the field by getting brought down by arm tackles. Could stand to add some mass to his frame if drafted in a full-time tight end role. No many weaknesses in Pitts’ game, and it shows up on tape.

Overall Summary:

In a class with three big-time wide receivers, Kyle Pitts may fall through the crack a bit, but his game is just too much fun to ignore. Possessing elite traits as an offensive playmaker, Pitts brings a dynamic threat to any offense as a passing game weapon. Pitts will often be discussed as a bad blocker, but that’s not accurate. While he can continue to develop in that area, Pitts is willing as a pass protector, and showed development in that area throughout his career, and actually had quite a bit of success as a run-blocker in Florida’s offense. Pitts shouldn’t be forced into one concrete role in the NFL, instead should be used as a matchup player that has the ability to change games with his ball skills, route running ability, size and athleticism. In a time where the draft doesn’t possess a ton of elite talent at the TE position, Pitts is the definition of an elite tight end prospect. While tight ends often don’t get drafted in the top 10 of the NFL Draft, Kyle Pitts deserved to be drafted there, and will still be under-drafted, as he’s one of, if not the best player in this draft class.

Round Grade:

1 (#2 Overall)

Video Breakdowns: