Falcons' OC calls out Kyle Pitts with candid take ahead of make-or-break season

Shane Shoemaker

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Falcons' OC calls out Kyle Pitts with candid take ahead of make-or-break season image

The Atlanta Falcons thought they had found their next star tight end when they selected Kyle Pitts fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. But entering Year 5, the former Florida Gator has yet to live up to those lofty expectations.

Through four seasons in Atlanta, Pitts has totaled just 2,651 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns — oddly increasing his touchdown total by exactly one each year. His rookie season showed promise with more than 1,000 yards receiving, but injuries derailed his sophomore campaign, and inconsistent quarterback play combined with his own struggles have slowed him ever since.

Now, with just one year remaining on his rookie contract after the team exercised its fifth-year option, the Falcons are hoping the 2025 season finally brings the breakout they’ve been waiting for.

When asked recently what he wants to see from Pitts this season, Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson kept it straightforward.

“For Kyle, it's just how can he take that next step of, you know, next level of detail, next level of consistency. All those kind of things we’ve talked about with him, and talked about in the past,” Robinson said. “He's in Year 2 of the system and I think what we've always talked about with Kyle is just — play fast. No matter what, play fast, take the thinking out involved with it.”

While respectful, Robinson’s comments weren’t exactly a ringing endorsement. They seemed to reflect some of the frustration surrounding Pitts' performance to date — particularly in his effort, consistency, and overall production.

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That same frustration is what sparked trade rumors earlier this offseason, with speculation that the Falcons might move on from the former top-five pick. For now, though, it appears the team is giving Pitts one more shot to turn things around, this time in a full season with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta is betting that in Year 2 of the new offensive system, and with a full offseason under Robinson, Pitts can finally live up to the billing that once made him one of the most hyped tight end prospects in NFL history.

Shane Shoemaker

Shane Shoemaker began his career as an editorial writer for ClutchPoints, covering college football, the NFL and MLB. His love for sports took off at age 5, when his dad began taking him all over the country to watch the Atlanta Braves and later, the Miami Hurricanes football team — fueling his passion for experiencing new stadiums. Although a lifelong Tennessean, he remains unaffiliated with local teams, even after writing for Vols Wire. Shane holds a BA in Communications/Journalism from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and never misses a chance to mention the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series win.