The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
TOP 5 TIGHT ENDS
■ 1. Kyle Pitts, Florida, 6 feet 5, 245 pounds (first): Forty-nine years have passed since a tight end was taken in the top five. Pitts has the chance to be the first tight end to be taken this high since the Denver Broncos selected former Houston tight end Riley Odoms fifth overall. For his size, Pitts has speed like a receiver and can line up all over the offensive formation. Just as important, he’s a great blocker when next to an offensive tackle. With three quarterbacks expected to go with the first three selections, the Falcons could be a potential destination for Pitts at No. 4 overall if they decide to pass on a quarterback.
■ 2. Pat Freiermuth, Penn State, 6-5, 251 pounds (second): Freiermuth dealt with a shoulder injury this past season that limited his use. Nicknamed “Baby Gronk,” Feiermuth has a similar build to Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski. Freiermuth, however, said he compares more favorably with former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tyler Eifert. Freiermuth said NFL teams consider him a move tight end at the next level because of his passcatching ability. One area Freiermuth wanted to prove during the pre-draft process is that he’s more than just a onespeed route runner.
■ 3. Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame, 6-3, 241 pounds (second/third): A graduate of Wesleyan School, Tremble lined up in multiple spots with the Fighting Irish while starting over the past two seasons. However, while Tremble wasn’t used much as a receiving option, he showed great strength and power as a blocker in the run game. Still, Tremble did show reliable hands when called upon and could develop into a receiving threat in the NFL.
■ 4. Brevin Jordan, Miami, 6-2, 247 pounds (third): A very athletic tight end, Jordan averaged 35 receptions per season over his three seasons with the Hurricanes. His best campaign came in 2020, when he had 38 receptions for 576 yards and seven touchdowns. Jordan fits the bill as a receiving tight end who can create matchup issues. Although he doesn’t have traditional in-line size at tight end, he is a capable blocker.
■ 5. Tre’ Mckitty, Georgia, 6-4, 246 pounds (fifth): Mckitty never was in a position to become a volume tight end at Florida State or Georgia, where he landed as a graduate transfer in 2020. But at the Senior Bowl this year, Mckitty showed he has what it takes to be a capable receiving target in the NFL. Mckitty was injured throughout the 2020 season but still put together some quality blocking tape.
■ Teams in need: Dolphins, Falcons, Rams, Texans, Titans
■ Need area for Falcons: Yes. Hayden Hurst would become a free agent after the season if the Falcons don’t pick up his fifth-year option. Lee Smith is a free agent in 2022.
■ Top TES for 2022 draft: Texas A&M’S Jalen Wydermyer, Iowa State’s Charlie Kolar, Washington’s Cade Otton, Oklahoma’s Austin Stogner, Cincinnati’s Josh Whyle.