FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The 2025 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, and for the first time in Terry Fontenot's run as general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, the team did not select an offensive player in the first round.
That streak ended after four consecutive drafts, and it began with a player whose reputation among Atlanta fans is quite mercurial. In the four intervening years since he was selected with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Kyle Pitts has shown brilliant flashes and gone dark for stretches.
As the 24-year-old tight end prepares to enter the final year of his rookie contract, a familiar word hangs in the air.
"I think the biggest thing for Kyle, we talk about it all the time, too, it's just about his consistency," Falcons tight end coach Kevin Kroger said.
Through the first eight weeks of 2024, Pitts had 419 yards and three touchdowns. It was ostensibly the greatest eight-game start of Pitts' career.
His finish wasn't quite so strong.
During the final nine games, Pitts gained 183 yards and scored one touchdown.
"He's really a big play tight end," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said in Week 15. "And when he gets an opportunity to get those things, he goes off and explodes. I compare him to almost, I know it's a completely different position, it's a completely different human, but he reminds me of when I was with DeSean Jackson. DeSean Jackson could have two catches for 180 yards and then he can disappear the rest of the day."
Greater consistency is something the Falcons will need more of from Pitts, especially with the offense expected to take a jump in the second year under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and with Michael Penix Jr. behind center. The quarterback position can't be entirely excluded from the Pitts conversation, though.
It's no secret Atlanta has had a revolving door at quarterback in each of Pitts' first four seasons. His first year working with Matt Ryan also proved to be his best thus far, highlighting the importance of that connection. Of course, the flip side of that argument is Pitts has not emerged as the top option despite working with several different quarterbacks.
Those discussions, though, are beside the point in Atlanta's tight end room.
"I tell him, 'We create our own reality. Nobody else, we do it on our own,'" Koger said. "You can't point to one position or another, you just have to look internally and see what we can do better, and put the best product out there that we can."
Join the Atlanta Falcons on the practice fields as they tackle an offseason workout at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga.
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Leonard Floyd #56 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Ford Jr. #28 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus #54 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Divine Deablo #0 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons director of player performance John Griffin during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Lamar Jackson #38 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Divine Deablo #0 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95, defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98, associate director of strength and conditioning Paul Constantine, defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus #54, defensive lineman Kentavius Street #93, defensive lineman Junior Aho #79, defensive lineman Morgan Fox #99, defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96, edge rusher Leonard Floyd #56, and defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin King #32 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker JD Bertrand #40 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #4 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Keith Taylor #39 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Khalid Kareem #92, Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone #51, and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Ford Jr. #28 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair #19 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #4 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair #19 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Makai Polk #83 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jamal Agnew #14 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn #52 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Benny Sapp iii #45 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II #16 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jesse Matthews #86 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
So, how are the Falcons helping Pitts put the best product on the field?
Consistency at the tight end position can be harder to achieve than at others. The dual nature of the role means that there greater responsibilities for tight ends than other skill positions. Even for a player like Pitts, who entered the draft viewed as a tight end with the skill set of a top-flight wide receiver, the split responsibilities can't be avoided. They are an important lever for modern offenses.
Building consistency on a big-picture level means executing the smallest details on a regular basis. There may be more details for a tight end to execute, but that's the job.
"He knows what he needs to work on," Robinson said. "The details and some of the fundamentals, techniques, the consistency down in and down out. Those are things we talk about with him, coach Koger talks about with him all the time — It is those finer details and that next level that he can take as a player."
The flashes have been spectacular. Like the 41-yard touchdown against Tampa Bay on a fourth-and-3, or any time he’s ever run a corner route. Internally, though, the belief is that focusing on the granular should create more opportunities for the spectacular.
Carrying a "generational" label as Pitts did as a draft prospect immediately broadens the scope of expectation and evaluation. Before a player ever sets foot on an NFL field, opinions have taken hold, and it's easy to get caught up in noise. But while fans and media pundits debate all-time lists and season-long accomplishments, Atlanta's coaches want to narrow the focus.
"Just day in and day out and understanding there's a process to it," Koger said. "If you look at the entirety of the picture from a 10,000-foot view, you get overwhelmed."
It's not hard to get excited about what the Falcons' offense could become in 2025. The offensive line will return four starters; Drake London and Darnell Mooney formed one of the league's best receiver tandems last year; the same can be said about Atlanta’s running backs and now Penix Jr. will join the mix at quarterback.
In that formula, Pitts represents a major x-factor. His role is not quite so clear as it was, say, when he was a rookie on a team with diminished receiving options. But that cloudy role brings him closer to the true nature of the position and why it remains important for any offense.
"You are involved in essentially all parts of the offense: run game, pass game, pass protection," Koger said. "So, we have to know it all. I tell those guys in the room, 'Our job as a tight end is to make it right.' It's not always going to be perfect. Football is an imperfect game. For us, we have to be able to operate in a grey area."
Pitts was one of the first key pieces in this next chapter of Atlanta's offense, but his future in it beyond the 2025 season remains in doubt. Can Pitts elevate his game within an offense on the upswing?
There are a lot of reasons to believe Pitts can become that impact player for the Falcons. He's still got more than enough talent, four years of experience and enters his second season in Robinson's offense. Delivering on that promise, though, will boil down to the details.
"I am expecting Kyle to take a big jump in Year 2 of the system," Robinson said. "Year 2 of understanding what we are trying to do offensively, all those things that come with it. So, expecting a lot of good things from Kyle."
