Panthers draft rumors: Justin Fields, Kyle Pitts, Asante Samuel Jr., move down

Kyle Pitts dream is all-but over

Any hopes the Carolina Panthers had of Kyle Pitts magically falling into their laps at No. 8 overall appear all-but dead in the water. The former Florida tight end is one of the hottest commodities in the draft and according to a recent report, he might even be the first non-quarterback taken.

According to FanSided‘s national NFL insider Michael Lombardo, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is “head over heels” in love with Pitts and it would be a big surprise if they didn’t pick him up to give their offense another substantial shot in the arm at No. 4.

This would mean the Panthers and other potential suitors need to look elsewhere if the Falcons went in this particular direction. Acquiring Pitts was a long shot at best, but the fact he’ll be joining an NFC South rival is the worst possible scenario.

Adding Pitts to an offense that also includes Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley is a mouth-watering proposition – one that would make things very difficult for Carolina in the short and long term.

This makes it even more essential for the Panthers to find themselves an exceptional cornerback prospect capable of covering on the outside or even in the slot against the incoming tight end. Pitts has the chance to revolutionize the position with a smooth transition to the professional ranks and has everything going for him in terms of athletic ability.