The first non-quarterback taken Thursday night in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft reportedly is expected to be Kyle Pitts.
Barring a blockbuster trade by the Falcons, Atlanta is planning to take the talented Florida tight end with the fourth overall pick, ESPN.com reported.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank initially wanted the team to draft a quarterback to eventually replace Matt Ryan, but new the duo of GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith “would prefer to try to build a winning team in the short term” around the 35-year-old Ryan, according to the report.
The Falcons are expected to take Kyle Pitts with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft APThe 6-6 Pitts totaled 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns in eight games for the Gators last season. His potential selection by the Falcons could facilitate a trade of wide receiver Julio Jones for salary-cap purposes.
The Jaguars (Trevor Lawrence), the Jets (Zach Wilson) and the 49ers (Mac Jones, Justin Fields or Trey Lance) are expected to select quarterbacks with the first three selections.
