The Cincinnati Bengals should be eyeing tight end Kyle Pitts

Kyle Pitts is by far the best receiving tight end in the 2021 draft, bringing with him a skillset the Cincinnati Bengals haven’t had in a long time. Of course, Tyler Eifert comes to mind, but he was only healthy for one season. While there are plenty of directions Zac Taylor and co. could decide to go with their first-round selection, perhaps none offer more value than Pitts, who has the kind of attributes that could turn him into the next Travis Kelce.

Bengals should take Kyle Pitts over Penei Sewell

Kyle Pitts is a top ten overall prospect in this draft along with Penei Sewell, but what position can go deeper in this draft? The offensive tackle position is so deep that there are first-round talents that will fall into the second round. The Bengals can easily take an Alex Leatherwood-type prospect at the start of day two.

Quarterback Joe Burrow would thrive with a receiving tight end capable of exploiting defenses up the seams. Pitts brings a rare frame to the table, standing at 6’6 and weighing 239 pounds. He is a huge target with great hands and has a tremendous jump ball radius. He is so good that he can also be added to become a deep threat or even have good enough separation to have big-time YAC stats. Travis Kelce once again comes to mind.

Kyle Pitts over a Ja’Marr Chase-Joe Burrow Bengal reunion

Some experts expect Ja’Marr Chase to be available at the fifth overall spot, and that’s where things get interesting. This offseason has one of the best wide receiver talent pools the NFL has had in a while. The Bengals are looking for a speedy receiver. Kenny Golladay from the Detroit Lions comes to mind and many others.

The free-agent market isn’t filled with many big-name talents at tight end as much as a wide receiver. Pitts caught 43 balls, averaging 17.6 yards a catch, and found the endzone 12 times. He is the perfect deep and red zone threat (like Eifert was in 2015).

In other words, the Bengals can find the attributes that Chase brings via other avenues. There’s no other player slated to be available that possesses Pitts’ rare skillset.

Free Agency will bring light to the Bengals’ fifth overall pick

The free agency period comes before the draft. The Bengals should be expected to target guard Joe Thuney, along with other big-time offensive line free agents. They should also be targeting one of the speedsters at wide receiver. If they’re able to address those concerns in March, they’ll have the luxury of nabbing Pitts in late April.