Projected draft position: Round 5 (TE6)

I know, I know. This again? Yes, this again. But unlike in the years when Pitts failed to live up to his fantasy promise, the one consistent handicap that’s been holding Pitts back — abysmal quarterback play — has finally been removed.

Between 2021, when Pitts entered the NFL, and 2023, Atlanta quarterbacks ranked 25th in the NFL in passer rating and tied for 23rd in touchdown rate. Last season, 22.3 percent of the Falcons’ passes were deemed uncatchable by Pro Football Focus, the fifth-worst mark in the league. Even so, Pitts has totaled 2,961 career intended air yards, trailing only Mark Andrews in that category over the past three seasons.

Now, Pitts and the Falcons will have the extremely capable arm of Kirk Cousins dealing out targets (and touchdowns, finally). The 23-year-old tight end is one of very few with triple-digit target upside, and he’s already flashed the talent to capitalize on that kind of opportunity. For me, he’s the last and least expensive of the “stud tier” at the position.