NFL history says the Atlanta Falcons are expecting too much from Kyle Pitts

It was no surprise when the Atlanta Falcons selected Kyle Pitts with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Pitts has been described as a generational talent, he was an absolute stud at the University of Florida and there’s no doubt he’s going to help the Atlanta Falcons offense.

But are the Atlanta Falcons putting too many eggs in Pitts’ basket?

On the surface, you would think not at all. You don’t pick a guy that high in the draft that isn’t ready to come in and contribute immediately. The Falcons have high expectations for Pitts as they should but still, they may be asking a bit too much.

The Atlanta Falcons need to be smart and lower their expectations for Kyle Pitts

Let’s be real, he’s still a rookie. Yes, he could very well possess hall of fame talent the likes of which the NFL has rarely seen, but learning curves are real. For a lot of people, Pitts’ arrival helped cushion the loss of Julio Jones. But saying the success of the team relies on his performance is a lot for a rookie who still has a lot to figure out.

The NFL is a different game. It’s faster, guys are bigger, and yes the SEC is top tier but don’t get confused on the talent and physicality difference. The Atlanta Falcons hope Kyle Pitts will become a franchise changer but asking to replace Julio Jones may be a tad bit asinine.

Take a guy like Tony Gonzalez. In his rookie season, he had 33 catches, 368 yards, and just two touchdowns. It took him three seasons to reach double-digit touchdowns.

Shannon Sharpe? An abysmal rookie year. And remember how dominant Jimmy Graham used to be, his rookie season produced 31 catches, 356 yards, and just five touchdowns.

All that to say, even for tight ends, it takes a while to round into form. It’s almost unfair to expect Pitts to come in and dominate and be even close to what Julio Jones was doing. The pressure will fall entirely on the receivers plus Hayden Hurst who has been in Atlanta for a year already.

Kyle Pitts could very well eventually be the best tight end in the league, but you have to earn that. The Falcons and their fanbase should be cautious with just how much of an impact they expect him to have this season. He deserves time to round into form and before the pressure, the Falcons are putting on him can be put on opposing defenses.