Kyle Pitts

Billed as a generational talent out of Florida last season, Pitts was drafted fourth overall and made an instant impact as one of only three tight ends in the league to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards, ranking second all-time among rookie tight ends with 1,026. That’s an impressive rookie season at a position that usually has a steep learning curve, but the notable shortfall in Pitts’ production was a lack of red-zone success, as he found the end zone once on 15 targets inside the 20. With Calvin Ridley suspended this season and Russell Gage (94 targets) off to Tampa Bay, Pitts likely will be the primary target for new quarterbacks Marcus Mariota and rookie Desmond Ridder, even after the team drafted wide receiver Drake London eighth overall this year. The 6-4 London, a former USC basketball player, is considered an elite red-zone target, but that could work in Pitts' favor as defenses can’t double team both players near the goal line. A second-year leap for Pitts in the touchdown department is probable given the recent history of highly drafted tight ends. Six others were selected in the first half of the first round since 2000; those players averaged 1.5 touchdowns as rookies and 4.8 touchdowns in their second seasons. Even in what should be a subpar Falcons offense, Pitts is a strong bet to improve on his rookie-year numbers. Read Past Outlooks