The Atlanta Falcons knew what they were doing when they selected explosive tight end Kyle Pitts fourth overall back in 2021 — the highest a tight end has ever been drafted.
Pitts’ rookie year lived up to the hype as he caught 68 balls for 1,026 receiving yards and one touchdown. That early success impressed his peers, who voted Pitts onto the NFL Network’s top 100 players of 2022 countdown.
The former Florida Gators star landed at No. 91 on the list, one spot ahead of Cowboys LT Tyron Smith and one spot behind WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Our first rookie on the 2022 countdown!@AtlantaFalcons TE @kylepitts__ grabs No. 91 on #NFLTop100! pic.twitter.com/zrUmliV2aq
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 15, 2022
No matter how talented a player is, it’s tough for rookies to find early success in this league unless they’re really, really good. Pitts never shied away from the absurd expectations placed upon him during the draft process. He attended the Travis Kelce’s Tight End University summit two years in a row, showing a dedication to his craft right out of the gate.
Watch Pitts’ full top 100 players segment, as shared on the NFL’s official YouTube channel below.