5 best player options if the Carolina Panthers stay at No. 8
By Dean Jones
Kyle Pitts – TE (Florida)
If the Carolina Panthers want to go a little bit bolder with their pick at No. 8 overall, then they could do far worse than take a long look at Kyle Pitts. The Florida tight end is arguably the best athlete entering the NFL this year and has the potential to completely revolutionize the position if he reaches his ceiling.
There is an argument to be had regarding positional importance. But Pitts is not your average tight end.
He can line up anywhere on the field and make his presence felt. Whether it’s from the slot, on the outside, or even in motion, Pitts can do it all and would be a substantial upgrade on anything Carolina has on the depth chart despite the recent signing of Dan Arnold in free agency.
Pitts’ athleticism is extraordinary, as was further displayed in a social media video that saw him record a 4.46 40-yard dash time that got the prospect trending on Twitter. However, his most impressive trait by a considerable margin is the fact he never drops a pass thrown his way.
Things will be tougher for Pitts at the next level. But there isn’t a slot cornerback or outside linebacker across the league he won’t be a matchup nightmare for.
Sure, there are other needs for the Panthers to address. However, acquiring a prospect with an All-Pro ceiling such as Pitts would be hard to turn down.