5 realistic targets for the Panthers at No. 8 in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Kyle Pitts – TE (Florida)
Another area where the Carolina Panthers need additional reinforcements this offseason is the tight end spot. Ian Thomas just hasn’t made the most out of a significant opportunity to become the long-term replacement for prolific veteran Greg Olsen, who left the organization in free agency to sign for the Seattle Seahawks.
Chris Manhertz and Colin Thompson are not the answer, either. So getting another weapon in the passing game is going to be key, especially if they lose wide receiver Curtis Samuel in free agency.
Kyle Pitts is as good as it gets. He is arguably the best tight end prospect to enter the NFL in quite some time and he represents an extremely matchup problem for any defensive player tasked with covering him.
Pitts ended his time at Florida on a high, gaining 770 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns from 43 receptions in just eight games. This included a lofty 17.9 yards-per-reception and he demonstrated the sort of athleticism and big-play ability that is going to be highly sought after.
The prospect’s stock will only rise once he shows off his supreme athletic traits during the evaluation process and Pitts would be a tremendous addition for the Panthers in no uncertain terms.